RIVERSIDE, Calif. (KABC) — A devastating brush fire swept through a Riverside County neighborhood Sunday, destroying at least three homes, damaging several others and prompting some evacuation orders.
The Haverton Fire It was first reported from Howerton Drive just after 1 p.m. As of early Monday morning, it was estimated at 527 acres with 20% containment.
Three houses collapsed and four buildings were damaged. Much attention was focused on the interior of the state amid a heat wave that reached 102 degrees in Riverside on Sunday.
“The topography of the area allowed the fire to spread quickly, so it was challenging to get resources to the area quickly,” Riverside Fire Department Deputy Chief Steve McKinster said at a news conference Monday morning.
Protect your home, that’s all. That’s all you can do.
Fariba Jaffery, a resident of Haverton Hills
When the eviction order was issued, residents like Fariba Jaffery had to think fast.
“Tears, frenzy, and then… ‘Pull yourself away. You can only do what you can do,'” Jaffery thought as the fire raged. “Everybody’s fine. You’ve got what you need. Then … protect your house, that’s all. That’s all you can do, but the most important thing is your family, your valuables. We’ve got everything. We’ve got to get out of there, no matter what.
The orders were lifted Monday morning, but work continues. McKinster said more hot spots need to be cleared out.
That is what we will focus on, he said. “We’re well-prepared, well-resourced, 21 fire engines, two hand crews, ready to help mitigate any issues we have.”
More fire in the Inland Empire
The Eagle fire It was reported to have started around 2pm Sunday in the area near Eagle Canyon and Cajalco roads east of Corona.
As of Monday morning, the fire was 65% contained and had burned 1,609 acres. Evacuation warning removed.
A small fire, the saddle fire, In Riverside County there was a morning report on Calle Saddle Trail but less than 3 acres.
Another fire, called blue fire, About 5 acres were burning in the San Bernardino National Forest as of 2:30 p.m. Sunday.
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