CA, US & World
Firefighters Achieve 84% Containment on Shore Fire Near Calimesa as Evacuation Orders Are Lifted
CALIMESA, California — Firefighters have made substantial progress in their battle against the Shore Fire burning in the rugged Badlands terrain southwest of Calimesa, bringing the wildfire to 84 percent containment. According to officials from CAL FIRE and the Riverside County Fire Department, the blaze has shown zero growth over the past few days, holding steady at just over 3,000 acres after scorching dry brush and heavy vegetation in the rural expanses of Riverside County.
The wildfire first erupted on Monday morning, June 15, 2026, near San Timoteo Canyon Road. Driven by gusty winds and high temperatures, the flames spread aggressively into Tuesday, producing towering plumes of thick smoke and ash that drifted into the Coachella Valley from more than 40 miles away. The heavy smoke columns initially prompted localized air quality concerns and led public safety agencies in the valley to issue advisories clarifying that there were no active fires burning within the immediate desert resorts.
As containment lines around the fire footprint have steadily strengthened, emergency management personnel have officially lifted all mandatory evacuation orders for surrounding properties. The temporary evacuation centers established earlier in the week have wound down operations. Currently, only a singular evacuation warning remains active for the immediate perimeter of the fire zone. Fire authorities caution that residents living near the active perimeter should remain vigilant and be fully prepared to leave the area if unexpected shifts in wind or interior hotspot activity occur.
Dozens of ground crews, hand teams, and heavy equipment operators will remain actively deployed at the scene throughout the weekend. Firefighters are scheduled to continue deep suppression efforts, dousing active hotspots, laying hose lines, and patrolling the rugged perimeter to ensure the blaze remains entirely within established containment boundaries. The cause of the wildfire remains under active investigation.
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By: NBC Palm Springs
June 19, 2026


