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This archival content was originally written for and published on KPCC.org. Keep in mind that links and images may no longer work — and references may be outdated.
Sparked by fireworks, Palmer Fire burns thousands of acres near Redlands
The Palmer Fire grew to about 3,800 acres and was 50 percent containment Monday morning, according to the Riverside County Fire.
The fire, which authorities are blaming on fireworks, began burning near San Timoteo Canyon Road and Fisherman's Retreat on Saturday afternoon around 1:30 p.m. That's about 10 miles west of Beaumont and 1 Redlands.
Hundreds of firefighters rushed to the fast-moving wildfire, but it grew from 50 to 500 acres by 2:30 p.m.
Authorities evacuated nearly 450 residents, mostly in Riverside County and a few in the city of Redlands.
All evacuation orders were lifted and all roads were reopened Sunday afternoon.
About 275 firefighters are fighting the fire. They have help from bulldozers and water-dropping helicopters.
This story has been updated.