A wildfire that has charred 2,487 acres near the junction of Highways 79 and 317 was 90% contained with full containment expected by Monday, the Riverside County Fire Department reported Sunday.
As of Sunday morning, evacuation orders at the perimeter of the Highland Fire were downgraded to a warning, and all road closures were lifted.
The evacuation warning for the Highway 79 and Highway 371 area was also lifted Sunday morning.
The fire started at about 12:40 p.m. last Monday in the area of Highlands and Aguanga Ranchos roads. The blaze started near a residence, but the exact cause was under investigation.
“There was no fire growth overnight, and the fire stayed in the current perimeter,” the fire agency said in a statement Sunday. ” … Warm and dry weather combined with steep and rugged terrain will remain a challenge. Today, firefighters will continue building containment line around the fire. Fire suppression repair work will also be conducted.”
Two firefighters were injured battling the blaze.
Thirteen structures were destroyed by the fire, with another three damaged.
GoFundMe accounts were established for those who suffered property losses. They are at the following links:
— www.gofundme.com/f/mike-doehr-lost-everything-from-a-wildfire;
— www.gofundme.com/f/single-dad-of-2-girls-lost-home-to-wild-fire; and