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Deadly Fairview Fire Burning In Hemet Holds At 28K Acres; All Evacuations Are Lifted
The Fairview Fire has burned more than 28,000 acres so far.
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Courtesy Cal Fire/Riverside County Fire Department
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via Twitter
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Firefighters working the Fairview Fire near Hemet continued to make steady progress this week, benefitting from higher humidity and some rain. Officials now say full containment is expected by Friday, Sept. 17.
Authorities said they no longer expect and fire growth and all evacuation orders were lifted Wednesday.
The wildfire broke Sept. 5 and spread rapidly, killing two people and injuring a third in its early stages. On Saturday, three people aboard a helicopter assisting in fire operations were injured when the privately-owned chopper crashed.
The Basics
- Acreage: 28,307
- Containment: 69%
- Deaths: 2
- Injuries: 4
- Structures destroyed: 17 (4 additional damaged)
- Structures threatened: 2,462
- Cause: Under investigation
Map Of Fire
Origins: The fire began shortly after 3:30 p.m. on Monday at Bautista Rd. and Fairview Ave. south of Hemet
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What We Know So Far
When the fire broke out Monday, wind pushed the fire west, which fire officials noted as the opposite direction they'd expect for this time of year. That took it to Avery Canyon, where it rapidly spread. Officials said it appeared that civilians in that canyon attempted to flee, but were overcome by the fire.
The remains of two victims were found in a vehicle in the burn zone on Avery Canyon Road. Officials said those victims have not yet been identified.
A third person, who officials have identified only as an adult female, was also severely burned but is expected to survive. Officials said it appears all three victims were from the same family.
The cause of the fire is under investigation. According to a document filed by Southern California Edison, the utility company is trying to determine if its electrical equipment may have sparked the blaze.
"Our information reflects circuit activity occurred close in time to the report time of the fire," the document states. "The investigation is ongoing."
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Evacuation Orders
Thousands of residents were forced to evacuate after a series of orders and warnings from emergency officials. By Wednesday, Sept. 14, those orders were lifted. Here's at the areas that had been under mandatory evacuations are in place (in red), along with warning zones (in yellow). Red Xs mark road closures.
Hemet Unified School District campuses reopened Monday after being closed for a couple of days the previous week.
Evacuation Centers
Tahquitz High School —4425 Titan Trail(officials said small animals are welcome)Temecula Community Center — 30875 Rancho Vista RoadA small animal care center has been established at 601 S State St. in San JacintoA large animal center is available at Riverside County Animal Shelter, at 438 S. State Street in San Jacinto
Where To Look For The Latest Information
- For updates on the status of the fire: Cal Fire / Riverside County Fire Department
- Visit https://linktr.ee/IMT6
More Resources
LAist: Tips and Explainers
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- Listen to The Big Burn, our podcast that will get you motivated to get ready
- Wildfires are getting worse. What you need to know
- Understanding climate change may help you feel less helpless
- Every day is now fire season. Let's get you ready for the next wildfire burning near you
- Evacuation terms can be confusing. Here’s what they mean and how to sign up for alerts
- How to keep yourself safe from wildfire smoke
- The air is brown — should I wear a mask? We tested 5 out and have some advice
- This is why fire officials don't want you to stay and defend your home
- What does 'containment' of a fire mean, exactly
- How to avoid getting towed during LA's red flag parking restrictions
- What to do — and not do — when you get home after a wildfire
- If you want to help fire victims, resist the urge to volunteer
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