Wolf Fire Forces Evacuations in Riverside County as Wildfires Spread Across Region

Wildfires continue to rage across Riverside County, with thousands now under evacuation orders due to the Wolf Fire burning near Banning and Cabazon. The fire was first reported around 3 p.m. Sunday and has already scorched over 2,400 acres. According to the latest update from CAL FIRE, containment stands at 30%.

Despite some firefighter injuries, no structures have been damaged so far. On Monday, over 300 fire personnel were working to contain the blaze, which has prompted evacuation warnings across southern Banning.

NBC Palm Springs reporter Brett Rosen was on the front lines and spoke with residents like Isaiah Moore, who was forced to leave his home with just a bottle of water and no access to phone service or money. “I just grabbed water and that’s it,” Moore said. “Literally have no money, no phone service.”

An evacuation shelter has been set up at Hemet High School by the American Red Cross, serving those impacted by both the Wolf Fire and the nearby Mindy Fire, which began Sunday in Aguanga. Shelter supervisor Ken Rieger said many evacuees arrived with little more than the clothes on their backs.

“People are coming in basically with what they’re wearing,” Rieger said. “Their areas have been under go-evacuations, so they played it safe and came here.”

Banning locals, familiar with the threat of wildfires, say the concern is less about what to pack and more about how fast they can leave. Some worry about bottlenecks on limited evacuation routes.

Meanwhile, other fires are straining resources across the region. The Juniper Fire in Mead Valley has expanded to 700 acres and remains 30% contained. It started late Monday morning, with evacuation warnings still active. Citrus Hill High School has been established as a family assistance center for affected residents.

The Mindy Fire is now 80% contained after burning 109 acres. Firefighters worked overnight using air tankers, bulldozers, and hand crews to bring it under control. The cause of that fire remains under investigation.

Explore: NBCPalmSprings.com, where we are connecting the Valley.