A four-alarm brush fire that's spreading near homes in Riverside has prompted evacuations in the area officials said. The wind whipped fire has been mapped at about 45 acres according to the Riverside Fire Department.
The fire was reported this morning around 11:10 am this morning near the perimeter of a Boy Scout Camp near Mission Inn Ave. and the Santa Ana river bottom. Homes along Indian Hill near downtown Riverside were evacuated, while the California Highway Patrol was seen clearing the area of traffic. According to eyewitnesses, the fire appears to be burning on Mount Rubidoux.
According to Riverside City fire officials, evacuations have been ordered for residents on Indian Hill Road, Glenwood Drive, Loring Drive, Mount Rubidoux Drive, and Miramonte Place.
A Riverside Fire Department division chief has put out a call for ten engine crews from any nearby agency to come and provide assistance with the fire burning in the Santa Ana river bottom. The high winds are hurling embers onto trees and surrounding properties creating spot fires that are stretching personnel very thin.
One property on Redwood was reportedly damaged by flames, but few details were made available. The backyard of a home also caught fire, but crews deployed quickly and were able to keep those flames at bay.
A Red Flag warning was issued for much of Southern California due to gusty winds from the northeast. There are no reports of acreage burned, or any containment of the fire reported. Cal Fire says a full vegetation fire response in addition to S-2T tankers are being sent to help fight the brush fire.
This report will be updated as more information comes in.