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Climate and Environment

Progress on three Riverside County wildfires continues after they destroyed homes and prompted evacuations

Three people stand at a metal fence looking out at fire and smoke
People watch as homes are threated as the Hawarden Fire burns Sunday in Riverside.
(
David Swanson
/
AFP via Getty Images
)

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Firefighters in Riverside County continued to make progress on three fires Tuesday, the first of which began Sunday afternoon. Initial evacuation orders and warnings have been lifted, though several homes were either destroyed or damaged.

Hawarden Fire

The Hawarden Fire in Riverside was 40% contained as of mid-Tuesday, with 527 acres burned. At least six homes were destroyed and several others were damaged. One firefighter and one civilian suffered minor injuries.

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Officials announced Monday evening they're investigating fireworks as the potential cause. Initially, about 2,500 residents were evacuated, but those orders have since been lifted.

Gov. Gavin Newsom announced Sunday that FEMA funding had been secured to help local, state and tribal agencies battle the fire.

Eagle Fire

The Eagle Fire began Sunday afternoon, burning east of Corona. It is now 98% contained, with 1,710 acres burned.

Columbia Fire

The Columbia Fire began Monday morning near Columbia and Michigan avenues in Riverside and was fully contained by midday Monday. About 57 acres burned and for a brief time evacuation warnings were in place .

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