Evacuation warnings lifted on human-caused 'Record Fire' in Riverside County

Evacuation warnings have been lifted for the “Record Fire” in Riverside County, officials confirmed Monday.  

The fast-moving, wind-driven wildfire was first reported Sunday at around 2:17 p.m. near the intersection of Soboba and Gilman Spring roads, north of San Jacinto. Light to moderate vegetation was fueling the estimated five-acre brushfire, though just five hours later, officials reported it had spread to some 650 acres and was 0% contained.   

Evacuation warnings were issued for Poppet Flats, a community a mile south of the Silent Valley Club RV Resort and roughly 12 miles from Banning.   

In an update Monday just before 7 p.m., fire officials said crews have gained 30% containment, with acreage remaining at 650 and “minimal growth observed since this morning.”

“All Evacuation Warnings have been lifted,” the Riverside County Fire Department said in a post to X, formerly Twitter. “Please use caution when returning to the area as fire resources continue building containment around the fire.”  

In a separate social media post, Cal Fire lauded the inaugural firefighting mission of its new C-130 Hercules airtanker.  

“This aircraft delivered 8,000 gallons of retardant on the Record Fire in Riverside County, marking a major milestone in our mission to protect California,” officials said.  

No update was provided on the conditions of six firefighters who were taken to the hospital Sunday with minor medical symptoms.  

It’s unclear exactly how the fire started, but in a Sunday evening update posted to X, authorities said, “Cal Fire Peace Officers have determined that the fire was human caused.”  

Officials said the investigation is ongoing.