Juniper Fire Scorches Over 750 Acres Near Perris

PERRIS, CA — Two days after a brush fire broke out in Gavilan Hills, near Perris, briefly forcing thousands to flee their homes, firefighters were able to halt the forward progress of the blaze at over 750 acres burned as of Wednesday morning.

Cal Fire/Riverside County Fire Department achieved 95% containment on the 755 acre blaze as of 8:30 a.m., lifting all mandatory evacuations and evacuation warnings the day before. Firefighters will be patrolling the area throughout the day to reach full containment, according to a Cal Fire statement.

All mandatory evacuations and evacuation warnings were lifted as of Tuesday evening.

How it Started:

The brush fire began at 11:30 a.m. Monday near the 19300 block of Ann Way and Juniper Road in Mead Valley.

During the firefight, mandatory evacuations were initiated. Firefighters established defensive perimeters around several homes, where sheds, outbuildings, and numerous abandoned vehicles were parked, according to reports from the scene.

Multiple Cal Fire/Riverside County Fire Department engines and hand crews were sent to the location, and they encountered active flames moving at a moderate rate amid light brush to the south.

Two Cal Fire air tankers made runs on the brusher as it pushed toward several homes along Idaleona Road on Monday. Two additional tankers were summoned, along with at least one water-dropping helicopter, according to officials at the scene.

There was no immediate word regarding what might have triggered the fire.