Crews in Riverside County are battling a fast-moving, wind-driven wildfire that has sent several firefighters to the hospital and prompted evacuation warnings for nearby residents.
The so called “Record Fire” was first reported just before 2:30 p.m. in the area of Soboba and Gilman Springs roads, north of San Jacinto. Light to moderate vegetation was fueling the estimated five-acre brushfire, though just five hours later, officials reported the fire had grown 650 acres and was 0% contained.
Evacuation warnings remain in place for Poppet Flats, a community a mile south of the Silent Valley Club RV Resort and roughly 12 miles from Banning.
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Firefighters in Riverside County on the scene of the “Record Fire” on Sept. 1, 2024. (KNN) -
Firefighters in Riverside County on the scene of the “Record Fire” on Sept. 1, 2024. (KNN) -
Firefighters in Riverside County on the scene of the “Record Fire” on Sept. 1, 2024. (KNN) -
Firefighters in Riverside County on the scene of the “Record Fire” on Sept. 1, 2024. (KNN) -
Firefighters in Riverside County on the scene of the “Record Fire” on Sept. 1, 2024. (KNN)
“Additionally, out of an abundance of caution, six firefighters have been transported to area hospitals with minor medical symptoms,” officials said on X.
Footage of the blaze obtained by KTLA shows heavy winds driving flames along the highway as crews work to extinguish them in very smokey conditions.
It’s unclear exactly how the fire started, but in a later update posted to X authorities said, “Cal Fire Peace Officers have determined that the fire was human caused.”
Officials said the investigation is ongoing.
Approximately 175 personnel are assigned to the fire with two firefighting helicopters, 21 fire engines, four bulldozers, a water tender and eight hand crews.