Brush fire in Jurupa Valley scorches over 1,300 acres, causes injuries

JURUPA VALLEY, Calif. (KESQ) - A brush fire that erupted today in the Santa Ana River bottom in Jurupa Valley charred 1,374 acres and threatened dozens of homes in Riverside, leaving four people injured and prompting mandatory evacuations.

The blaze was reported at 11:22 a.m. Tuesday on the north side of the dry channel, in the area of Bain Street and Limonite Avenue, just north of the Hidden Valley Nature Center, according to the Riverside County Fire Department.   

By 3:30 p.m., the fire was mapped at 907.4 acres by CAL FIRE Intel aircraft, with 0% containment.

The agency said numerous engine and hand crews from the county, Riverside Fire Department and surrounding agencies responding to a mutual aid request were sent to the location, encountering wind driven flames moving at a moderate rate through thick brush.

Shortly before 1 p.m., the flames were spreading quickly toward groups of homes in the area of Arlington and Western avenues in Riverside, leading to evacuation orders for dozens of residences around that intersection, including on Sunnyvale Drive, Mountain High Drive, Western Avenue and Western Hills Drive.  

Three residents suffered smoke inhalation injuries, while another person suffered unspecified traumatic injuries, according to reports from the scene. The latter victim was taken to a Riverside hospital for treatment. The other parties reportedly did not require further treatment after they were assessed by paramedics.   

At least two Cal Fire water-dropping helicopters initiated runs on the brusher just after 1 p.m., but there was no word on air tankers.   

Riverside Police Department officers, aided by sheriff's deputies, implemented hard road closures for public safety along Arlington, between Hidden Valley Nature Center Drive and Western Hills Drive.

The Western Riverside County Animal Shelter at Clay Street and Van Buren Boulevard in Jurupa Valley was under an evacuation warning.   

"The fire is now 1,374 acres and 10% contained. Air and ground resources will remain on scene overnight, working diligently to build containment lines around the perimeter of the fire,'' Cal Fire posted on X at 8:30 p.m. "Air and ground resources will remain on scene overnight, working diligently to build containment lines around the perimeter of the fire. Air resources will also be assigned throughout the evening, dropping water and retardant. Evacuation orders and warnings remain in effect. Please avoid the area, as heavy equipment and personnel continue working and will be entering and exiting the area.''  

Power lines were down in the immediate vicinity of the river bottom, increasing dangers for firefighters and residents. The lines were reportedly de-energized for safety. It was unclear how many SoCal Edison and Riverside Public Utilities customers were without electricity.

There was no word on what might have triggered the brusher. The river bottom is teeming with homeless encampments, and debris, cooking and warming fires occur year-round.