Firefighters battle 1,000-acre blaze in Riverside County
Firefighters in Riverside County continued Monday evening to battle a blaze about four miles from the mountain community of Idyllwild that has rapidly grown to an estimated 1,000 acres and prompted the evacuation of two small communities, authorities said.
The fire in Mountain Center is 5% contained and has damaged structures, although authorities do not yet know the extent or number, according to information released by the Riverside County Fire Department.
The blaze was reported shortly before 2 p.m. Monday, near the intersection of California 243 and 74.
About 2 p.m., the fire was estimated at 30 acres, but expanded swiftly to more than 100 acres by 4 p.m. Portions of California 74 and 243 have been closed.
Mandatory evacuations have been ordered in the Bonita Vista community of about 20 homes; Fleming Ranch, which has about four homes; and the Living Free Animal Sanctuary.
Fire officials said more than 300 firefighters are battling the fire, with 12 fire crews, four helicopters and six air tankers.
No injuries have been reported, officials said.
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