Evacuations downgraded as Riverside County crews battle Volcano Fire near Murrieta

Riverside County firefighters on Wednesday continued to gain the upper hand on a brush fire that broke out near the Santa Rosa Plateau in Murrieta earlier in the week. 

The fire, which crews dubbed the Volcano Fire, was reported at around 2:50 p.m. Wednesday near Via Volcano and Tenaja Road in the La Cresta area, according to the Riverside County Fire Department. 

Firefighters say that the blaze has burned about 138 acres of medium brush and is 90% contained.

"Multiple air and ground resources are assigned," firefighters said. They said that 10 additional engines and aircraft were requested to assist with the firefight.

At its peak, nearly 190 firefighters, three helicopters and more than 40 firefighting vehicles were assigned to the incident.

The blaze is burning adjacent to the Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Reserve, a popular hiking location in the area. 

Aerial footage showed the fire burning dangerously close to at least one home, where firefighters were stationed in the driveway. The property was surrounded by the reddish-pink remnants of fire retardant drops from firefighting aircraft. 

One firefighter injury was reported, but Cal Fire officials did not provide further details on the nature of the injury. The cause of the fire is under investigation. 

The Murrieta, Corona and Pechanga fire departments, as well as Cal Fire personnel from San Diego and San Bernardino counties, assisted with the firefight. 

Evacuation orders and warnings

Firefighters had previously issued an extensive list of evacuation orders and warnings, but as they continued to gain control of the blaze, orders were downgraded for most locations. As of 5:30 p.m. on Friday, all evacuation orders and warnings were officially lifted.  

An evacuation shelter was temporarily established at Chaparral High School, which is located at 27215 Nicolas Road at Winchester Road in Temecula. A separate animal evacuation shelter was established at the Murrieta Equestrian Center at 42646 Juniper Street. 

Road closures

California Highway Patrol officers closed Tenaja Road from Avocado Mesa to Avenida La Cresta so firefighting apparatus could reach the area without interference. Los Gatos and Carancho Road were also completely closed.

All roads have since reopened.