Crews Make Gains On 2,487-Acre Highland Fire East Of Temecula

Read the latest update: Evacuations Scaled Back In 2,487-Acre Highland Fire East Of Temecula

AGUANGA, CA — After burning for more than 24 hours amid fierce Santa Ana winds, the Highland Fire that has scorched more than 2,400 acres east of Temecula was beginning to slow Tuesday night, but it will be more than a week before firefighters expect to get the blaze fully contained — and weather continues to be a factor.

More than 1,100 personnel on the ground and in the air are assigned to the blaze — now 10% contained — burning in the unincorporated community of Aguanga, according to a Tuesday night update from Cal Fire/Riverside County Fire Department.

"The fire growth throughout the day was minimal; however, easterly winds continued and are forecast to remain in the area through Thursday evening, which have the potential to continue pushing the fire in a west/southwest direction," the fire department reported. "Current and expected weather of steady winds with low relative humidity may increase the risk of erratic fire behavior."

Firefighters were continuing to construct a line around the blaze's perimeter, but "extremely steep and rugged terrain remains a challenge," according to the agency, which estimated that full containment on the fire would not be reached until Nov. 8.

The fire has destroyed three structures and damaged six others, the latest figures show. See photos of crews battling the structure fires here.

While no civilian injuries were reported in the blaze, one firefighter was hurt, according to the Tuesday night update. The extent of injuries was not released.

The blaze was mapped at 2,487 acres and 2,356 structures were still under threat, per the update.

Evacuation orders remained in place Tuesday night for the following areas:

• South of Sage Road/Golden Eagle Drive
• East of Becker Lane
• West of Boulder Vista
• North of Cottonwood Creek
• South of Highway 371
• West of Sorenson Road
• North of San Diego County Road
• East of Vail Lake Resort
• West of Shirley Way
• North of David Street
• South of Pueblo Road/Exa Ely Road
• North of San Diego County line
• South of Highway 79
• East of Forest Route 8S07
• West of Crosley Truck Trail

Evacuation warnings were also in place for:

• West of Cahuilla Tribal Reservation Boundary
• North of County Line Road
• North of Cleveland National Forest
• South of Watts Road, Esplendida Way, Avenida Bravura
• East of Pauba Road, De Portola Road
• West of Round Top Canyon Road

A searchable map of the evacuation area is available at: http://linktr.ee/calfirerru

A care and reception center was established at Great Oak High School, 32555 Deer Hollow Way, Temecula, for those evacuated from their homes.

San Jacinto Animal Shelter opened for large and small animals at 581 S. Grand Ave, San Jacinto.

Travel near the fire area was not advised. Several road closures remained in place Tuesday night:

• Highway 79 from Vail Lake to San Diego County Line
• Sage Road from Highway 79 to Wilson Valley Road
• Willson Valley Road from Sage Road to Highway 371
• Highway 371 from Highway 79 to Wilson Valley Road

The blaze was reported about 12:40 p.m. Monday in the area of Highlands and Aguanga Ranchos roads, near the junction for Highways 79 and 371, according to Cal Fire/Riverside County Fire Department.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

3 p.m. OCT. 31 UPDATE:

A 2,200-acre brush fire that erupted Monday afternoon east of Highway 79 in Aguanga was still burning out of control Tuesday, with structures charred and evacuation orders in place, according to Cal Fire/Riverside County Fire Department.

Strong Santa Ana winds propelled the blaze at a "critical rate of speed" Monday and overnight. Authorities say that 4,000 residents were ordered to evacuate in the 24 hours since the wind-driven brush fire erupted. Thus far, at least three structures have been destroyed and six others suffered damages due to the Highland Fire, according to Cal Fire spokeswoman Maggie Cline De La Rosa.

Firefighters battling the blaze would be plagued by Santa Ana winds through Tuesday, according to Cal Fire and the National Weather Service. Though a high wind warning that was in effect was dropped to a wind advisory overnight, the National Weather Service reported the area could expect gusts up to 50 mph through 8 p.m. Tuesday.

Over 15,000 Riverside County homes were under consideration of losing power due to SoCal Edison's public safety power shutoff protocols and the wind and fire events. Under 100 total residences were left without power as of Tuesday, SoCal Edison spokesperson Jeff Monford told Patch.

There was zero containment on the blaze that began in the area of Highlands Road and Aguanga Ranchos Road, dubbed the Highland Fire, as of Tuesday morning. It burned in a westerly and southwest direction from the 371 to Highway 79 South, creating more evacuations and warnings, Cline De La Rosa said.

"If you received an evacuation order, please leave," she said. "If you receive an evacuation warning, please stay vigilant."

Evacuation orders remained in place Tuesday morning for the following areas:

• South of Sage/Golden Eagle Drive
• East of Becker Lane
• West of Boulder Vista
• North of Cottonwood Creek
• South of Highway 371
• West of Soreson
• North of County Line Road
• East of Vail Lake Resort
• West of Shirley Way
• North of David Street
• South of Pueblo Road/Exa Ely Road
• North of San Diego County line
• South of Highway 79
• East of Forest Route 8
• S07 West of Crosley Truck Trail

An evacuation warning was also issued for the following areas:

• North of Cleveland National Forest
• South of Watts Road, Esplendida Way, Avenida Bravura
• East of Pauba Road, De Portola Road
• West of Round Top Canyon Road
• West of Cahuilla Tribal Reservation Boundary
• North of County Line Road

NOTE: Check https://linktr.ee/calfirerru for the latest on evacuation orders and warnings.

A care and reception center was established at Great Oak High School, 32555 Deer Hollow Way, Temecula, for those evacuated from their homes.

San Jacinto Animal Shelter opened for large and small animals at 581 S. Grand Ave, San Jacinto.

The blaze was reported about 12:40 p.m. Monday in the area of Highlands and Aguanga Ranchos roads, near the junction for Highways 79 and 371, according to Cal Fire/Riverside County Fire Department.

No injuries were reported as of 6:15 a.m. Tuesday morning.

Multiple engine and hand crews from the county, Corona Fire Department, Murrieta Fire & Rescue, U.S. Forest Service and other departments were sent to the location and initially encountered flames moving at a moderate rate to the west.

The fire is being attacked on the ground and from the air.

Tankers trying to make a few last drops before dark. #highlandfire #aguangaca pic.twitter.com/09QBRQeKjB
— FirePhotoGirl (@FirePhotoGirl) October 31, 2023

More than 300 firefighters are battling the blaze.

Several scattered residences were in the path of the flames, officials said.

The fire started on or near a residential property.

The cause of the fire wasn't immediately known.

Jojoba Hills RV Resort - Night water dropping helicopter is working in this area. #calfire #highlandfire pic.twitter.com/CkgWz1h3bO
— FirePhotoGirl (@FirePhotoGirl) October 31, 2023

Check back for updates.

Another fire burned south of Temecula in Rancho Bernardo Monday afternoon. That blaze affected northbound Interstate 15 rush-hour traffic. Read more here.

Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton also reported a blaze Monday afternoon that sent smoke across the region. Shortly before 7 p.m., base officials said the non-injury fire was fully contained and no structures were damaged.

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Livestock Evacuated From Highland Fire Find Shelter In San Jacinto