A wildfire erupted in Riverside County on Sunday afternoon, quickly spreading to over 1,100 acres. The fire, named the Wolf fire, began near the intersection of Old Banning Idyllwild Road and Wolfskill Truck Trail shortly after 3 p.m. As it grew, officials ordered evacuations and closed roads in the area, impacting around 750 residents.
Cal Fire reported that the blaze was only 10% contained as of Sunday evening. Approximately 300 firefighters were on the scene, working tirelessly to combat the flames. Fire officials indicated that they would have a better understanding of the situation once daylight returned. Four helicopters were deployed overnight, and fixed-wing aircraft were expected to assist with fire retardant drops in the morning.
To support displaced residents, an evacuation center was established at Hemet High School, located at 41701 Stetson Avenue. Additionally, an animal evacuation center was set up in San Jacinto at 581 S. Grand Avenue.
The Wolf fire was one of three wildfires that ignited in Riverside County on the same day. Another fire, the Mindy fire, broke out near Aguanga, burning over 70 acres but was reported to be about 50% contained by Sunday night. A third fire, the Mandalay fire, ignited within the city of Riverside, consuming more than 80 acres and causing heavy smoke that prompted numerous 911 calls from concerned residents.
As the Mandalay fire spread, it led to temporary evacuations. However, by around 9:30 p.m., officials lifted the mandatory evacuation orders, allowing residents to return home. They were permitted to access their properties with identification at designated intersections.
Residents have expressed their concerns and experiences as they witnessed the flames encroaching on their neighborhoods. One resident, Amy Ashcraft, described how she started wetting down her roof as the fire worsened and evacuation orders were issued.
Firefighters are working diligently to contain these blazes as they continue to pose significant challenges across Riverside County and beyond. The community remains on alert as the situation develops, with ongoing efforts to protect lives and property from the advancing wildfires.