A grass fire that erupted on the south end of Riverside grew to about 500 acres, destroyed and damaged homes and led to evacuations from areas with threatened homes and other structures, authorities said Monday.
The non-injury Hawarden Fire erupted shortly before 2 p.m. Sunday in the area of Hawarden Drive and Mary Street, within the Alessandro Heights neighborhood, according to the Riverside Fire Department.
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At least three homes were destroyed and four were damaged, according to Riverside Fire Department Deputy Chief Steve McKinster. News video from the scene showed flames consuming one large home.
Some 1,500 homes were evacuated, McKinster said.
The evacuated area included Eagle Crest Court and Chartwell Drive, Horace Street and Hawarden Drive, Golden Hills and in the area of Barry Road and Via Vista moving towards Trautwein Road and Alessandro Boulevard.
An evacuation center was established at the Orange Terrace Community Center at 20010 Orange Terrace Parkway.
Air drops were conducted by two tankers and one helicopter, officials said. Riverside city fire units were assisted by units from Riverside County, San Bernardino and Orange counties and Hemet and area reservations.
Riverside police promised patrols throughout the night in evacuated zones and fire areas.
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