Wildfire erupts in Murrieta, destroying one structure, scorching 300 acres and triggering evacuations
A wildfire began in Murrieta on Thursday afternoon, destroying one structure and triggering evacuations as firefighters continued to battle destructive blazes across Southern California.
A new wildfire erupted in Murrieta on Thursday afternoon, destroying one structure and triggering evacuations as firefighters continued to battle several destructive blazes across Southern California.
The blaze, reported about 1:15 p.m. near Los Alamos and Liberty roads, scorched 300 acres in about three hours, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. About 300 firefighters were tackling flames moving through heavy fuel at a moderate to rapid rate of spread. By 4:25 p.m., the blaze was 5% contained.
Residents south of Los Alamos Road, east of Ruth Ellen Way and west of Briggs Road were ordered to evacuate, including those who live on the following streets:
- Los Alamos Road
- Liberty Road
- Mary Place
- Via Mira Mosa
- Matilda Lane
- Skipper Road
- Ernest Way
- Mason Avenue
A care and reception center was opened at Great Oak High School, at 32555 Deer Hollow Way in Temecula, and at Mesa High School, 24801 Monroe St. in Murrieta. Residents can take large and small animals to San Jacinto Valley Animal Campus at 581 S. Grand Avenue in San Jacinto.
alene.tchekmedyian@latimes.com
Twitter: @AleneTchek
UPDATES:
4:45 p.m.: This article was updated with new acreage burned and one structure destroyed.
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