Evacuation orders and warnings remained in place Tuesday for the 2,414-acre Wolf Fire south of Banning, which was 35% contained after crews made significant improvement.
“Steep, rugged terrain, high temperatures and wind remain challenging factors for firefighters,” Cal Fire incident commanders said late Monday. “Cooler temperatures tonight, with higher humidity will assist firefighters in constructing and strengthening containment lines.”
The fire began just after 3 p.m. Sunday at Old Banning Idyllwild Road and Wolfskill Truck Trail. Some 925 personnel were assigned to the brush fire, including 103 engines, 10 dozers and 16 water tenders.
Evacuation orders were issued for an area south of Interstate 10, with evacuation warnings expanded for areas bordering the interstate.
Numerous firefighting air tankers from throughout the state flew fire suppression missions.
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.
Three firefighters sustained non-life-threatening injuries.
No structures were reported damaged as of Tuesday morning.
The cause of the fire was under investigation.