Firefighters Saturday achieved 80% containment of a wildfire that has charred 2,487 acres near the junction of Highway 79 and Highway 317 in the Aguanga area.
The fire started at about 12:40 P.M. last Monday in the area of Highlands Road and Aguanga Ranchos Road The blaze started near a residence, but the exact cause was under investigation.
“The fire did not spread today, giving firefighters an opportunity to increase containment around the fire perimeter while continuing to cool hot spots, the Riverside County Fire Department said in a statement.
“Winds decreased going into the weekend, but the warm, dry weather, along with steep and rugged terrain remains a challenge,” the statement continued. Full containment by lines of cleared vegetation was expected on Monday.
Evacuation orders remained at the perimeter of the Highland Fire, leaving the rest of the impacted area under an ongoing evacuation warning, which means residents can stay in their homes but should remain alert.
The warning area is located north of the San Diego/Riverside County line, south of Cottonwood School Road, east of Crosley Truck Trail and west of Sorenson Road.
A reception and care center was set up at Great Oak High School at 32555 Deer Hollow Way in Temecula. An animal evacuation center for large and small animals was set up at the San Jacinto Animal Campus at 581 South Grand Ave. in San Jacinto.
Two firefighters were injured while battling the blaze.
Thirteen structures were destroyed by the fire, with another seven 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
— www.gofundme.com/f/6vf2y-home-destroyed.
A searchable map of the evacuation area was available at www.linktr.ee/calfirerru.
Road closures were for:
— Highway 371 northbound from Highway 79 to Wilson Valley Road;
— Highway 371 southbound from Wilson Valley Road is only open to residents.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
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