The largest of four brush fires burning in Riverside County this weekend has consumed 7,600 acres in the Lakeview area as firefighters increased containment to 25%, officials said Sunday evening.
The Rabbit Fire remained active, burning in tall grass and brush, according to the Riverside County Fire Department. The fire broke out around 3:30 p.m. Friday northeast of Gilman Springs Road and Jack Rabbit trail.
Evacuation orders were downgraded to warnings Sunday for the area south of East First Street, east of Highway 79 (Lamb Canyon), north of Seneca Springs and west of Manzanita Park Road.
An evacuation order remained in place for a smaller area directly to the east, according to the fire department.
An evacuation center for people and small animals was set in place at Beaumont High School at 39139 Cherry Valley Blvd. Large animals were being accepted at the San Jacinto Animal Shelter, 581 South Grand Ave.
Anyone who needs assistance with animal evacuations can call the Riverside County Department of Animal Services at 951-358-7387.
Road closures included Highway 79 from Gilman Springs to California Avenue, Gilman Springs from Alessandro Boulevard to Highway 79, and Bridge Street from Gilman Springs Road to Ramona Expressway
Sunday evening fire officials said that Highway 79 northbound will reopen from Gilman Springs to Beaumont Avenue at 4 a.m. Monday morning.
A total of 88 fire engines, seven water tenders and numerous air tankers were utilized to suppress the spread of the fire.
“Our goal is to strengthen and improve our containment lines and get around the body of the fire, most notably up in the head of the fire where we have several housing communities,” Incident Commander and Division Chief Josh Janssen said Sunday.
The cause of the fire was under investigation.