Evacuations Ordered as Wood Fire Spreads Near Perris
A brush fire burning in Riverside County on Tuesday prompted evacuation orders and warnings as it spread amid an extreme heat warning. The blaze, named the Wood Fire, was reported just before 1 p.m. near Rider Street and Dreamglo Lane in an unincorporated area of Perris, according to Cal Fire. The agency initially posted on X that the fire was burning at a "dangerous rate in medium grass and brush," and by 2:15 p.m. reported it was burning at a "moderate rate."
Evacuation orders were issued shortly after 2 p.m. for zones RVC-1060 and RVC-1059, with officials citing an 'immediate threat to life.' The evacuation area is bounded roughly by Orange Avenue to the north, Sunset Ridge and Pechin roads to the west, Santa Rosa Mine Road and San Jacinto Avenue to the south, and Old Elsinore Road to the east, as described in a map provided by the authorities. Evacuation warnings were also issued for surrounding neighborhoods.
Residents in the area near Cajalco and Wood roads were asked to leave immediately, as the fire was reported moving toward Highway 74. The Perris Library at 163 E. San Jacinto Ave. was set up as a resource and shelter for evacuees and their pets.
Fire Growth and Containment
By 3 p.m., Cal Fire reported the fire had burned approximately 60 acres and was 0% contained. A separate brush fire in Perris that broke out Tuesday afternoon was reported by another outlet to have grown to at least 57 acres, though the details differed slightly from later reports. The discrepancy in acreage between the two reports likely reflects the fire's continued growth.
Nearly 170 personnel, three helicopters, and 29 engines were deployed to fight the fire, according to Cal Fire. Road closures were in effect at Salter Road and Fox Street, and at Juniper Road and Ida Leona Road. The cause of the fire is under investigation, and as of the latest reporting, it was not immediately known whether any structure had been damaged or if there had been civilian injuries.
House Fire Spreads from a Truck Fire
Separately, strong winds spread flames from a truck fire to a home in the Perris Valley on Tuesday afternoon. Air7 sky-view video captured flames tearing through the roof of a house on Westport Lane near Ashby Lane. The truck was department engulfed in flames nearby. The cause of the initial truck fire was unclear. Cal Fire crews were on the scene, working to extinguish the flames.
Both fires occurred amid severe heat and high winds across Southern California. An extreme heat warning was in effect for much of the southern part of the state, including the valleys of Riverside and San Bernardino counties.
The cause of the Wood Fire is under investigation. No named officials were attributed with direct quotable in the reports, but the fire department's official messages via social media were quoted in the coverage. The situation is developing, and residents are advised to follow evacuation orders and stay informed through local alerts.
This article was developed from reports by ABC7 Los Angeles and the Los Angeles Times.