A brush fire that erupted in the San Bernardino National Forest between Anza and Pinyon Pines has burned 1,690 acres and was 21% contained Thursday.
Fire crews continued to make good progress on the Rosa Fire Wednesday in strengthening containment lines according to Cal Fire. The area saw an increase in temperatures into the mid-90s with relative humidity continuing to drop.
The steep terrain in the area presents operational challenges, limiting access for ground crews and heavy equipment making fire line construction difficult.
The non-injury fire was reported at 12:25 p.m. Monday on the north side of Highway 74 at Santa Rosa Truck Trail, according to Cal Fire.
There have been 1,081 total personnel assigned to the fire from Cal Fire, U.S. Forest Service, Palm Springs Fire Department and other agencies. The equipment includes 123 engines, 17 water tenders, two helicopters, 20 dozers and 22 hand crews, according to the Riverside County Fire Department.
Residents in the evacuation warning zones were able to access their property through the checkpoint at Highway 74 and Art Smith Trailhead beginning at 6 p.m. Thursday. Residents will need identification to gain access through the checkpoint.
If fire conditions intensify, this soft closure will be changed back to a hard closure, authorities said.
The road closure at Highway 74 and Highway 371 was moved to the east and set up at Highway 74 at the Santa Rosa Pit Stop, 63145 Highway 74, in Mountain Center.
Evacuation shelters have been set up at the Anza and Palm Desert community centers. Animal evacuation shelters are in operation at the Coachella Valley Animal Campus and San Jacinto Animal Shelter
The cause of the fire was under investigation.