California's Highland Fire Burns More Than 2,000 Acres and Forces Thousands to Evacuate
"We just ask that the public please remain vigilant," said Cal Fire spokesman Maggie Cline De La Rosa
David Swanson/AFP via Getty
Cars are threatened by flames as the Highland Fire burns in Aguana, California, on October 31, 2023.Officials in Southern California have issued a smoke advisory and red flag warnings are in effect for two counties on Thursday, three days after the Highland fire began burning thousands of acres in Riverside County.
As of Wednesday afternoon, the fire — about 15% controlled — has burned 2,487 acres and destroyed multiple homes in the unincorporated area of Aguanga, according to Cal Fire. One person has been injured, while the cause of the fire is under investigation, per the agency.
Approximately 4,000 people are under mandatory evacuation orders, The Los Angeles Times reported.
In addition, several local highways, including parts of Highway 79, were shut down due to the fire, ABC affiliate KABC-TV reported.
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The fire began Monday afternoon shortly before 1 p.m. local time near Highlands and Aguanga Ranchos roads, per Cal Fire.
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The Highlands Fire doubled in size between Monday night and Tuesday, fueled by the Santa Ana winds pushing flames to the west, per Reuters.
David Swanson/AFP via Getty
Related: Over 200 People Remain Missing Amid California Fires as Authorities Say Worst May Be Yet to Come
According to The Los Angeles Times, the cities of Temecula, Murrieta, Wildomar, and Lake Elsinore, as well as areas to the west like San Clemente and other southern Orange County communities, are potentially affected by the smoke.
Firefighters have also had to contend with another fire in the area. On Monday night, a fire near Mt. Rubidoux burned approximately 30 acres, per KABC.
As first responders continue to assess the region, Cal Fire is cautioning the public to remain alert.
"We just ask that the public please remain vigilant," Cal Fire spokesman Maggie Cline De La Rosa said in a video message. "If you received an evacuation order, please leave. If you received an evacuation warning, please continue to pay close attention to those."
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