Tropical Storm Kay Helps Crews Gain 40% Containment On Fairview Fire

HEMET, CA — Rain generated by the remnants of tropical storm Kay off the southwestern coast helped fire crews slow the spread of the deadly Fairview fire burning southeast of Hemet Saturday, allowing authorities to reduce more evacuation orders from mandatory to voluntary and ground crews to reach 40% containment of the fire.

Fire officials warned, however, that the much-needed precipitation, combined with high winds and heat can still lead to unpredictable fire behavior, so residents being allowed to return to their homes were "highly encouraged to remain alert during this dynamic incident."

The onset of stormy weather prompted incident commanders to pull Cal Fire aircraft out of the firefighting operation late Friday morning, according to reports from the scene.

The National Weather Service had issued a flood watch and a high wind warning for the area, with authorities saying as much as 7 inches of rain could fall in the area before the storm dissipates, raising the likelihood of flash floods, mud and debris flows. The inclement weather was due to tropical storm Kay, which had been a hurricane before hitting the Baja peninsula in Mexico.

"Based on forecasts, this appears to be a dangerous storm," county Emergency Management Department Director Bruce Barton said, urging motorists to take precautions and not attempt to cross flooded roads.

The Weather Service predicted gusts of 55 mph in the valleys and 75 mph in the mountains and deserts.

Sandbags are available at fire stations and hardware stores in Riverside County.

Cal Fire officials have said they hope to have the fire contained by early next week, an objective that appeared more feasible with the arrival of rain.

By 8 p.m. Friday, officials said the fire had grown to 28,307 acres, with containment increasing from the 5% that had not changed since Monday.

Late Friday afternoon, with the pace of the fire slowing, fire officials reduced mandatory evacuation orders to voluntary warnings for the area south of Diamond Valley Lake, east of Washington Street, north of Borel Road, east of Rancho California Road, east of Anza Road north of Temecula Parkway, northwest of Highway 371 and west of Highway 74.

Evacuation orders were also made voluntary for the Ramona Village community and Olivet University.

Highway 74 in the San Bernardino National Forest was fully closed between Mountain Center and Borco Street, which is in Valle Vista.

The Fairview fire was reported shortly after 2 p.m. Monday on Fairview Avenue and Bautista Road.
Cal Fire Battalion Chief Josh Janssen said firefighters were strategically dispersed Wednesday, following a day that saw the flames "outpace our efforts." Cal Fire established unified command with the USFS Wednesday.

The Riverside County Emergency Management Department declared a local emergency Wednesday due to the fire, enabling the county to apply for federal and state relief. The Board of Supervisors is slated to formally approve the proclamation during its meeting Tuesday. Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency covering the fire zone earlier this week.

Officials said the fire resulted in two civilian fatalities and one civilian burn injury. Sheriff's officials confirmed Wednesday the two deceased victims were found inside a vehicle in the 42400 block of Avery Canyon Road in East Hemet Monday, apparently overcome by the flames while trying to leave.

The two victims have not been formally identified by authorities, but friends identified them to reporters as Ian Compton and his autistic daughter Mikayla Porter. Friends said their family pets were also killed. Compton's wife, Tina, was severely burned and remains hospitalized.

A sheriff's official said Wednesday the woman, who was found outside the vehicle on Avery Canyon Road, is expected to survive.

At least 11 buildings have been destroyed and several more were damaged. Friends said the Comptons' home was among the structures destroyed.

Evacuation centers were set up at Tahquitz High School in Hemet, Temecula Valley High School and the Temecula Community Center.

The Department of Animal Services said the San Jacinto Valley Animal Campus was accepting large and small domestic creatures for safekeeping. Livestock were being cared for at the Perris Fairgrounds.

All fees for retaining pets will be waived under the county emergency order, agency spokesman John Welsh said.

The Perris Fairgrounds at 18700 Lake Perris Drive opened as an emergency shelter for large animals. Anyone bringing in livestock was advised to use Avalon Parkway for access to stables, according to Cal Fire/Riverside County Fire Department.

The cause of the fire was under investigation. In a document filed with the California Public Utilities Commission, Southern California Edison reported "circuit activity" in the area close to the time the fire erupted.

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