Two Large Wildfires Burning Across Riverside County, Thousands Under Evacuation Orders

Two wildfires that broke out Tuesday are still burning across Riverside County Thursday, forcing residents from their homes and keeping hundreds of firefighters in the field.

The larger of the two, the Bain Fire, erupted Tuesday morning in the Santa Ana River bottom near Jurupa Valley, in the area of Bain Street and Limonite Avenue just north of the Hidden Valley Nature Center. As of Thursday morning, it has burned 1,456 acres and is 39% contained. Evacuation orders are still in place for three zones near Jurupa Valley and Riverside. More than a dozen additional zones across the area remain under evacuation warnings. Four people were injured in the fire, three from smoke inhalation and one with traumatic injuries, and all were transported to Riverside Community Hospital.

The Verona Fire broke out Tuesday afternoon near Juniper Springs and Verona Roads, north of Highway 74 and north of Homeland. It has burned 600 acres and is 38% contained as of Thursday morning. Evacuation orders in that area have since been lifted, though warnings remain active for five zones, including areas around Hemet and Homeland. Several outbuildings and structures have been destroyed, and one firefighter suffered minor injuries.

The causes of both fires remain under investigation. Residents can check current evacuation zone status at protect.genasys.com.