Riverside County Board of Supervisors approves emergency declaration for Fairview Fire

The Riverside County Board of Supervisors today approved a proclamation declaring a local emergency in response to the Fairview Fire.

On Wednesday, September 7, 2022, County Executive Officer Jeff Van Wagenen signed the emergency proclamation, which you can read here.

The emergency proclamation can help make the county eligible for potential federal and state assistance and cost reimbursement.

An EMD spokesman told the board the county is already in line for a state grant covering 75% of fire suppression and related expenses. With the emergency proclamation in place, the county may be able to obtain additional grants that cover the balance.

Officials estimate that total damage and other costs resulting from the blaze are now $25.6 million.

There were two civilians were killed as they were trying to flee. A woman was also seriously burned in the same vehicle. She is undergoing treatment at a regional burn center.  

Three first responders were injured, though none of the injuries were life-threatening. According to the fire chief, a Cal Fire helicopter sustained major damage during a controlled crash at Banning Municipal Airport, one of the facilities used as a base of operation last week. Details on specifically what transpired were not provided.  

Twenty-one structures were destroyed and four were damaged by the fire, Wiser said.

Evacuation orders that went out last week impacted 12,000 residents. All orders have since been canceled.

Officials said the blaze would be completely under control by Saturday.

The County of Riverside Emergency Management Department has also opened the Recovery Call Center to assist residents who had their home damaged or destroyed in Fairview Fire.

The number is (951) 358-5134 and will be staffed Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

Stay with News Channel 3 for continued coverage.