Wolf Fire Near Banning at 35% Containment; Thousands Still Under Evacuation Orders

NBC Palm Springs continues coverage of the Wolf Fire burning south of Banning, where officials are now reporting 35% containment as of Tuesday evening. The wildfire, which began Sunday just after 3 p.m. near Old Banning Idlewild Road and Wolfskill Truck Trail, remains a major threat heading into the July 4th weekend.

Cal Fire says nearly 15,000 people remain under evacuation orders, and approximately 4,200 structures are still threatened. With increased fire risk expected over the holiday weekend, crews are working urgently to reinforce containment lines.

“Especially coming into the 4th of July holiday weekend, we know there’s a very big potential for activity throughout the county,” a Cal Fire spokesperson said. “There was a big push today to mop up as much as can be done to improve those containment lines.”

The American Red Cross has established an evacuation shelter at Hemet High School, which remains open for families displaced by the fire. In addition to food and temporary housing, shelter supervisors say they’re prioritizing emotional support for evacuees.

“They don’t know the conditions of their homes, and that’s a lot for someone to carry,” said shelter supervisor Ken Rieger. “We have mental health people that talk to them — sometimes over the phone, or they’ll come to the shelter.”

The Red Cross says the shelter will remain open for as long as the fire continues to impact local communities.

For NBC Palm Springs, I’m Brett Rosen.

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