Fire near Lake Elsinore 73 percent contained
Firefighters were making rapid progress todayencircling a 1,400-acre wildfire burning in the Cleveland National Forest nearLake Elsinore.
The Falls Fire, which broke out Monday morning, was 73 percentcontained, with full containment expected by 6 p.m. Friday, according to theU.S. Forest Service.
The Ortega (74) Highway linking Riverside and Orange counties, which wasclosed when flames reached the southbound side of the route Monday, was re-opened to residents, who were receiving California Highway Patrol escorts atregular intervals.
A three-mile stretch of the highway remains completely shut down betweenGrand Avenue and Main Divide Road, but is expected to re-open before week’send.
The USFS, Cal Fire and Riverside County fire personnel have formed aunified command to battle the blaze, which is burning in steep terrainaccessible only by foot, according to USFS spokeswoman Vickie Wright.
Four firefighters have suffered heat-related illnesses battling thefire, Wright said. A few outbuildings have been destroyed, but no homes, shesaid, adding that increasing humidity over the next two days will “definitelyhelp in efforts” to gain control of the blaze.
A mandatory evacuation for the 50-home Decker Canyon community waslifted Tuesday evening, according to the Riverside County Fire Department.Evacuation orders for Lakeland Village and Rancho Capistrano were lifted lateMonday.
A total of 1,000 firefighters, 90 engine companies, six helicopters, sixair tankers, 13 water tenders and seven bulldozers were arrayed against theblaze.
It was reported around 10 a.m. Monday and quickly spread into Morrelland Decker canyons. When flames reached the Ortega Highway around 3 p.m., theCHP implemented a “hard closure” affecting the entire 30-mile route.
The federal government will be covering some of the expense of fightingthe fire, it was announced Tuesday. According to the Federal EmergencyManagement Agency, a request submitted by the state for federal aid wasapproved, meaning up to 75 percent of firefighting costs are eligible forreimbursement through FEMA.
The South Coast Air Quality Management District issued a smoke advisorytoday for Lake Elsinore, Perris Valley and the Temecula Valley, cautioningresidents to avoid unnecessary outdoor activity to avoid exposure to smokesettling over the region.
The cause of the fire was under investigation.
