Evacuation orders and warnings remained in place Wednesday for the stubborn 2,414-acre Wolf Fire south of Banning, which was still just 40% contained, authorities said.
“Firefighters worked hard reinforcing current containment lines. Despite the steep and rocky terrain, the ongoing efforts of ground forces (led) to increased containment,” Cal Fire Riverside officials said in their latest update Tuesday night.
“Unburned pockets of vegetation inside the perimeter continue to burn, producing some smoke. The anticipated weather changes will make favorable conditions for ground forces improving and extending containment lines throughout the night.”
Some 1,096 personnel were battling the brush fire, including 100 engines, 31 hand crews, 15 water tenders and nine dozers.
Road closures and evacuation orders and warnings remained in effect for an area south of Interstate 10.
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.
The fire began just after 3 p.m. Sunday at Old Banning Idyllwild Road and Wolfskill Truck Trail. Numerous firefighting air tankers from throughout the state flew fire suppression missions.
Three firefighters sustained non-life-threatening injuries.
No structures were reported damaged as of Wednesday morning, but more than 4,200 structures were said to be threatened. Fire officials expect full containment of the brush fire by July 7.
The cause of the fire was under investigation.