A brush fire that erupted in the San Bernardino National Forest between Anza and Pinyon Pines has burned 1,658 acres and was 18% contained Wednesday.
The non-injury Rosa Fire was reported at 12:25 p.m. Monday on the north side of Highway 74 at Santa Rosa Truck Trail, according to the Riverside County Fire Department.
Firefighters continued to aggressively attack the fire from the air and the ground Tuesday.
“The upcoming weather will be hotter and dryer with lower humidity contributing to more fire activity when aligned with slopes and prevailing winds with active fire spread expected,” according to a statement from the department.
“Short range spotting is likely with potential fire movement, resulting in evacuation orders and warnings remaining in place until further notice.”
There have been 775 total personnel assigned to the fire from Cal Fire, U.S. Forest Service, Palm Springs Fire Department and other agencies. The equipment includes 91 engines, 16 water tenders, two helicopters, 15 dozers and 15 hand crews, according to the Riverside County Fire Department.
California Highway Patrol officers shut down both sides of Highway 74 between the junction at Highway 371 in Anza to the west and the area around the Big Horn Golf Club, just south of Palm Desert, spanning almost 25 miles. The closure was predicted to continue until the end of the week.
Evacuation orders were issued for the area south of Alpine Village, while warnings were announced for neighboring communities bordering Pinyon Pines, on either side of the highway.
The orders and warnings remained in place as a precaution Wednesday morning.
A care and reception center was set up at the Anza Community Center, 56630 Highway 371. Evacuees were invited to drop their pets at either the Coachella Valley Animal Campus at 72-050 Pet Land Place in Thousand Palms, or the San Jacinto Valley Animal Campus, 581 S. Grand Ave.
The cause of the fire was under investigation.