A vegetation fire that broke out Friday north of Thermal scorched 52 acres in heavy fuels and prompted evacuation orders that will remain in effect through the night.
The non-injury Shady Fire was reported shortly before 3 p.m. Friday at Shady Lane and Avenue 54 in an unincorporated area bordering Coachella, according to the Riverside County Fire Department.
The fire remained 15% contained as of 10 p.m.
“Firefighters will remain on-scene throughout the night working on containment and mopping up hot spots,” according to a statement by the Riverside County Fire Department. “The evacuation order and warning areas will remain in place overnight and will be re-assessed tomorrow.”
An evacuation order were issued for the area north of Airport Drive, south of Avenue 54, east of Harrison Street and west of Tyler Street, fire officials reported.
An evacuation warning was issued for the area north of Avenue 54, south of Avenue 53, east of Frederick Street and west of Tyler Street, according to the Riverside County Fire Department.
The cause of the fire wasn’t immediately known.
A care and reception center for people has been established at Desert Mirage High School in Thermal. Animals can be brought to the Coachella Valley Animal Campus in Thousand Palms.