A wildfire burning in Aguanga has expanded to nearly 2,500 acres Wednesday, but crews were making headway tying up gaps where the flames had previously threatened homes.
The blaze was reported about 12:40 p.m. Monday in the area of Highlands and Aguanga Ranchos roads, near the junction of Highways 79 and 371, according to the Riverside County Fire Department.
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As of 7 p.m. Tuesday, officials at the scene estimated the fire at 2,487 acres and 10% contained.
Hand crews and hotshot crews were gradually working their way around the brusher, sealing off areas where the flames might break out. No containment figure was available.
Five Cal Fire water-dropping helicopters were providing support, making targeted drops, according to reports from the scene.
On Monday afternoon, multiple engine and hand crews from the Riverside County Fire Department, Corona Fire Department, Hemet Fire Department, Murrieta Fire & Rescue, Palm Springs Fire Department, U.S. Forest Service and other agencies were sent to the location, encountering flames moving at a moderate rate to the west.
Mild Santa Ana winds propelled the flames Monday, but they largely abated by nightfall. Winds were not a significant factor Tuesday.
The flames crossed Highway 371 about 3 p.m. Monday, moving southwest, heading toward residences in the 45100 and 45800 blocks of Highway 371, according to officials. A house in the 45800 block of Jojoba Road was reportedly damaged by the fire. The occupants escaped uninjured, according to the California Highway Patrol.
Evacuation orders were posted for the area encompassing Boulder Vista Street to the west, Becker Lane to the east, Cottonwood Creek to the north and Golden Eagle Drive to the south.
An additional evacuation order was issued Tuesday morning for north of the San Diego County line, south of Highway 79, east of Forest Route 8S07 and west of Crosley Truck Trail.
On Monday, CHP officers shut down Highway 79 at County Line Road for public safety, and the 79/371 junction was also closed, but those closures were lifted Tuesday.
A care and reception center was established for evacuees at Great Oak High School in Temecula. Residents with large and small pets were invited to drop them at the San Jacino Valley Animal Campus for safekeeping.
The blaze started near a residence, but the exact cause was under investigation.