Photos Behind The Fire Lines In Riverside County Ahead Of 4th Of July Weekend

MEAD VALLEY, CA — Containment of the 755-acre Juniper Fire in the Mead Valley area grew to 95% Wednesday morning, with all evacuations and evacuation warnings lifted late Tuesday.

Cal Fire/Riverside County Fire Department shared early Wednesday that firefighters would be patrolling the area throughout the day to achieve full containment. The public was advised to use caution when moving through the area.

The number of personnel battling the fire had dropped to 15, including five engines.

How it Started:

The fire was reported at 11:20 a.m. Monday, south of Ann Way and Juniper Road, according to the Riverside County Fire Department.

Numerous engine and hand crews from the county, U.S. Bureau of Land Management and other agencies were sent to the location, encountering flames moving at a moderate rate in light brush to the southeast. Crews managed to stop the fire's forward progress and begin establishing containment lines.

Mandatory evacuations were declared and later lifted on Monday.

While firefighters actively protected structures one block at a time in the advancing fire, evacuation warnings were posted for surrounding locations south of Idaleona Road and north of Santa Rosa Mine Road.

A care and reception center was established at Citrus Hill High School, 18150 Wood Road in Perris. All those warnings were lifted Tuesday afternoon.

The flames reportedly consumed two outbuildings, but no houses. One firefighter suffered a minor injury and was taken to Riverside University Medical Center in Moreno Valley for treatment.

Shortly after 2 p.m. Monday, the fire split in two, with both heads pushing to the southeast, crossing into Good Hope, amid winds blowing 10 to 15 mph, gusting to 20 mph, according to officials. However, by 4 p.m., the entire blaze's forward rate of spread had been stopped.

The cause of the fire was under investigation.

Related:

Juniper Fire Scorches Over 750 Acres Near Perris