Two separate fires burn 95 total acres in Cabazon, evacuation warnings lifted
Two separate fires have burned a total of 95 acres in the Cabazon area.
Update at 10pm:
The fires are both 100% contained. The acreage remains at 80 and 15 acres.
All road closures and evacuation warnings are lifted. Two fire engines will remain at incident overnight, patrolling for any hot spots.
The fire was initially reported as one fire burning on the south edge of Cabazon. It was first reported at about 11:45 a.m. in the area of Almond Street and Esperanza Avenue, nearly a mile south of Interstate 10, according to the Riverside County Fire Department.
“The fire was so close to the back and then it jumped and just torched up the house right in front of me," said Cabazon resident Steve Jansson.
Evacuation orders were initially issued when the fires grew. The flames fully engulfed one home and damaged two others.
As everyone evacuated, Jansson decided to stay back and help.
“I smelled it went out there and just turned on the hose. And then I seen the flames comin and comin," Jansson explained. "You know, I am wetting everything down the road and I'm making sure I'm the only one left to make sure that the fire department has an extra water on this side.”
No was injured from the fire, but crews did rescue Jarvis the puppy who was stuck underneath a car at one of the damaged homes.
“We were all worried that where is he? Where is he? And and the fire department went in there and found him," Jansson said.
Jarvis was reunited with his owners, but Jansson told us he'll watch the pup until the owners were cleared to come back home.
By 4:00 p.m., Cal Fire confirmed it was actually two fires. The first fire is 80 acres and is 75% contained. The second fire is 15 acres and is 10% contained.
“With having two separate fires in close proximity, the reaction time to get those resources to fight the two fires rule be extended," said Captain Daniel Potter, Public Information Officer with Cal Fire.
Potter said the dry and gusty winds made it difficult for crews to put out.
The evacuation order area is: South of Esther Avenue/Margaret Avenue North of Hattie Avenue West of Lime Street East of Peach Street
The evacuation warning area is: South of Bonita Avenue North of Esther Avenue/Margaret Avenue West of Peach Street East of Broadway
Officials said power lines in the area are affected.
Cal Fire said engine and hand crews from the county and U.S. Forest Service were sent to the location and encountered flames moving through medium brush at a moderate rate. Cal Fire air tankers and water-dropping helicopters began making drops as ground personnel deployed at the site.
The cause of the fires is under investigation.
