Fast-moving Skyline fire near Corona grows to 250 acres, prompting evacuations

Federal, state and local firefighters are battling a 250-acre wildfire near the Cleveland National Forest, a fire department spokeswoman said Thursday evening.

At least 240 personnel are fighting the blaze, which started about 3 p.m. at Skyline Drive and Burrero Way, near the entrance to a hiking trail.

Mandatory evacuations remained in place late Thursday night for some homes on Brannan Circle, Folson Circle, Rawley Street, Burrero Way, Burnett Circle and Gareth Circle. Officials lifted evacuation orders for Trudy Way, Elker Road, Corbett Street, Fanning Circle and Maybe Canyon Road that were put in place earlier in the day.

Corona High School on West 10th Street is being used as an evacuation center.

Dubbed the Skyline fire, it is burning in an unincorporated area of Riverside County, west of the city of Corona, county Fire Department spokeswoman April Newman said.

Firefighters from Cal Fire Riverside, the U.S. Forest Service and Corona are on scene. At least 29 engine companies, six air tankers and three helicopters are being used.

The fire is 5% contained.

Corona resident Matt Fitzgerald was at home Thursday afternoon and saw Facebook posts about the blaze. He walked outside and saw smoke blotting out the sky and ash falling into his pool.

Fitzgerald’s house overlooks the hills of Cleveland National Forest.

“I said, ‘Ooh, it’s a little scary,’ ” Fitzgerald said. “It was surprisingly dark outside.”

dakota.smith@latimes.com

Twitter: @dakotacdsmith

UPDATES:

11:10 p.m.: Updated with new details on evacuations.

9:20 p.m.: This article was updated with new acreage and containment figures.

7:55 p.m.: This article was updated with new information about the fire and an interview with a resident.

This article was originally published at 5:50 p.m.