4-Alarm Fire That Destroyed Homes, Injured 2, Remains Under Investigation In Banning

BANNING, CA — Cal Fire/Riverside County Fire Department investigators were working Monday to determine the cause of a weekend fire in Banning that left two people injured and destroyed homes and buildings.

Dubbed the Hays fire, the blaze was reported shortly before 1 p.m. Sunday in the 1100 block of West Hays Street.

The size of the fire and threat to property prompted a fourth alarm and a call for additional resources, according to the fire department.

A Cal Fire/Riverside County Fire Department spokesperson said Monday that a civilian was seriously injured in the blaze and a firefighter suffered minor injuries. An update on their condition was unavailable.

The fire destroyed three homes, one commercial building, one outbuilding and one vehicle, the spokesperson said Monday.

A total of 13 adults and six children were displaced by the fire, according to the agency. The Red Cross was contacted to assist.

It took crews about three hours to contain the fire. The cause of the blaze remains under investigation.