10-31-2023 12:43pm

More evacuation orders were issued as the Highland Fire in Riverside County grew to 2,200 acres

Anita Johnson-Brown Editor

On October 31, two wildfires broke out in Riverside County, and firefighters battled to contain them, while red flag warnings were extended for many parts of Southern California due to strong winds and dry conditions. The fire initially burned an estimated 1,219 acres, but by Tuesday morning, it had doubled in size to 2,200 acres, and more evacuation orders were issued. As of writing, it remains 0% contained. Three structures have been destroyed by the Highland Fire, and six others were damaged, although it is unclear if they were houses or another type of structure.

The fire was first reported a little before 1 p.m. Monday in the area of Highlands and Aguanga Ranchos roads, near the junction of Highways 79 and 371, according to the Riverside County Fire Department. In the afternoon, the flames jumped Highway 371, moving west-southwest towards residences in the blocks numbered 45100 and 45800, according to officials.

The Highland Fire prompted evacuation orders to be issued for the area encompassing Boulder Vista Street to the west, Becker Lane to the east, Cottonwood Creek to the north, Golden Eagle Drive to the south, Highway 371 to the south, Soreson to the west, and County Line Road to the north.

On Tuesday, evacuation orders were expanded to include the area north of the San Diego County Line, south of Highway 79, east of Forest Route 8S07, and west of Crosley Truck Trail. According to the Riverside County Fire Department and Cal Fire, 1,139 residents have been evacuated from the immediate area of the blaze, while another 489 residents in the surrounding area near the fire were urged to be ready to evacuate at a moment's notice.

By Anita Johnson-Brown