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Nixon Fire grows to more than 5,000 acres in Riverside, destroying 4 structures

A pile of rubble burning with smoke in the background.
A property burns during the Nixon Fire with evacuation orders in the area on July 29, 2024 near Aguanga, California.
(
Mario Tama
/
Getty Images North America
)

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Topline:

The Nixon Fire in Riverside County was 21% contained as it grew to 5,222 acres Friday, destroying four structures, officials reported.

The context: Multiple heatwaves dried out the chaparral that the fire's burning through. Hilly terrain can make it difficult for firefighters to establish containment lines. Expect fires like this to only get worse when the Santa Ana's arrive in September.

The conditions: Temperatures in the mid-90s and single digit humidity both make vegetation quick to burn, while 20 mph wind gusts help move the fire along. Monsoonal moisture appears to be on the way, which could mean dry lightning and fire starts in the desert and mountain areas.

Full suppression response: More than 250 firefighters have been assigned to the fire. Aircraft are performing retardant and water drops.

Evacuations: Cal Fire Riverside is providing updates. The evacuation center is located at Temecula Valley High School at 31555 Rancho Vista Road. On-site animal services are available.

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