A wind-driven blaze that broke out Thursday just north of Moreno Valley blackened 400 acres in four hours, threatening homes and high-tension power lines and prompting evacuations.
The fire was reported at 12:55 p.m. on Reche Canyon Road, near Reche Vista Drive, according to the Riverside County Fire Department.
Fire officials said the blaze started with a trailer fire and jumped into surrounding vegetation, propelled by intense northeast winds.
The flame front pushed west into rugged terrain, leading to mandatory evacuations on Reche Vista north of Country Road, as well as on Covey Road at Perris Boulevard, and Reche Canyon east of Reche Vista and west of Locust Avenue.
A fire on Reche Canyon Road in Moreno Valley scorched more than 400 acres on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2019.(Published 5 hours ago)
A care and reception center for evacuees was set up at Canyon Springs High School, 23100 Cougar Canyon Road, Moreno Valley.
Sixteen engine crews and a truck company, along with two hand crews -- totaling nearly 100 personnel -- deployed to the wildfire, aided by two Cal Fire air tankers and a water-dropping helicopter, according to the fire department.
Local
Sheriff's deputies and California Highway Patrol officers closed access to Reche Canyon, between Reche Vista and Locust Avenue, for public safety.
The cause of the fire was under investigation.
Evacuation information:
A care and reception center for evacuees was set up at Canyon Springs High School, 23100 Cougar Canyon Road, Moreno Valley.
Anyone evacuating with large and small animals can take them to San Jacinto Valley Animal Campus, located at 581 S. Grand Avenue. Residents who need help retrieving pets can call (951) 358-7387.
A second fire burning in the Calimesa area consumed 500 acres and destroyed more than 40 mobile homes, possibly more, Friday at the same time the Reche blaze was burning. Read more here.
