Nearly 100-Acre Fire Closes Ortega Highway, Forces Evacuations

LAKE ELSINORE, CA — The Tenaja Truck Trail was under mandatory evacuation and Ortega Highway was closed due to a nearly 100-acre fire Sunday afternoon.

Cleveland National Forest initially reported the blaze at 10 acres around 12:30 p.m., but less than 90 minutes later it had reached 60 acres. By 3:45 p.m., the fire was 99.5 acres, according to the Riverside County Fire Department.

The highway was closed in both directions and El Carissa Village was under evacuation warning, according to the national forest.

A reception and care site was being set up for evacuated residents at Lakeside High School, 32593 Riverside Drive in Lake Elsinore. Small pets were also being accepted at the center, while large animals can be taken to the San Jacinto Animal Shelter at 581 S. Grand Ave.

City News Service contributed to this story.