Wolf Fire South Of Banning Reaches 95% Containment

BANNING, CA — The Wolf Fire burning south of Banning, which has scorched 2,387 acres, was near contained at 95%, Cal Fire officials said Sunday.

"Evacuation warnings remain in place for the area immediately surrounding the fire perimeter," the agency stated.

Highway 243 has been reopened following its temporary closure due to wildfire activity, though travelers were urged to use extreme caution when traveling through the area, as firefighters remain actively engaged in full containment efforts along the highway.

Some 482 firefighters and other personnel were assigned to the blaze as of Saturday, along with 28 engines, 12 water tenders and seven bulldozers.

The fire began just after 3 p.m. Sunday June 29 at Old Banning Idyllwild Road and Wolfskill Truck Trail. Numerous firefighting air tankers from throughout the state flew fire suppression missions.

Three firefighters suffered non-life-threatening injuries.

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.

No structures were reported damaged.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

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