Firefighters were reporting progress Saturday on a vegetation fire that scorched 254 acres in parts of Riverside County bordering San Bernardino County.
The Canyon Crest Fire was 50% contained as of Saturday morning, according to the Riverside County Fire Department. Crews were expected to remain on scene throughout the day strengthening containment lines.
The fire was first reported around 5:30 p.m. Thursday near Canyon Crest Drive and Weeping Willow Lane in the Fontana area by the San Bernardino County Fire Department. The fire eventually grew to about 250 acres as it continued burning into the night.
An evacuation warning was issued for the area north of the Moreno Valley (60) Freeway, east of Country Village Road, south of the county line and west of Sierra Avenue around 7:30 p.m. Thursday, and the Riverside County Fire Department assumed command of the firefight.
The evacuation warning was lifted around 12:12 p.m. Friday. An evacuation center that had been established at Jurupa Valley High School was also closed.
“Additional fire engines, crews, bulldozers and night flying-water dropping helicopters assisted in the suppression of the fire yesterday. Resources worked on containment throughout the night in challenging terrain with light flashy fuels and east blowing winds,” said the fire department on Friday.