Crews reported further progress Friday containing the Wolf Fire south of Banning, which has scorched 2,387 acres.
“Crews work the perimeter of the fire throughout the day looking for spots of minimal smoldering. Containment is at 75%,” Cal Fire Riverside posted Friday evening. ” … Crews will continue to strengthen the containment lines and work on suppression repair continues.”
Evacuation orders were reduced to warnings in several areas, while other evacuation warnings that were in place were lifted.
Highway 243 has been reopened following its temporary closure due to wildfire activity, though travelers were urged to use extreme caution when traveling through the area, as firefighters remain actively engaged in full containment efforts along the highway.
The stubborn brush fire displayed minimal activity overnight Thursday, officials said.
More than 900 firefighters and other personnel were assigned to the blaze, along with 67 engines, 14 water tenders and 15 bulldozers.
The fire began just after 3 p.m. Sunday at Old Banning Idyllwild Road and Wolfskill Truck Trail. Numerous firefighting air tankers from throughout the state flew fire suppression missions.
Three firefighters sustained non-life-threatening injuries.
An evacuation shelter was established at Hemet High School, 41701 Stetson Ave., and an animal shelter was being offered at the Riverside County Department of Animal Services’ San Jacinto Valley Animal Campus, 581 S. Grand Ave.
No structures were reported damaged.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.