Local Riverside County News

Crews stop forward progress of 72-acre brush fire near Los Alamos Hills Sports Park in Murrieta

Sat, 03 Aug 2024 09:03:19 +0000

A brush fire that broke out Friday on a hillside near a Murrieta sports park scorched 72 acres before it was stopped.

The Alamos Fire was reported at 3:22 p.m. near Los Alamos Hills Sports Park, according to the Riverside County Fire Department.

Multiple engine and hand crews from the county, Murrieta Fire & Rescue, Cal Fire-San Bernardino County and surrounding agencies were sent to the location and encountered flames burning up and over the hills fronting the park.

Around 10 to 15 homes along Los Alamos Road, near the sports park, were evacuated out of caution in the afternoon, said Murrieta Police Lt. Jeremy Durrant.

Firefighters monitor a small brush fire threatening homes and prompting evacuations near the Los Alamos Hills Sports Park in Murrieta on Friday, Aug. 2. (Key News Network)

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Firefighters monitor a small brush fire threatening homes and prompting evacuations near the Los Alamos Hills Sports Park in Murrieta on Friday, Aug. 2. (Key News Network)

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Additionally, evacuations were ordered around 4 p.m. for areas including north of Via Mira Mosa, south of Keller Road, east of the 215 Freeway and Whitewood Road, and west of Winchester and Briggs roads

Around 6 p.m., all evacuation orders were downgraded to evacuation warnings.

Authorities had shut down Whitewood Road between Clinton Keith Rd & Hunter Road, Los Alamos Road between Ruth Ellen Way & Menifee Road, and Clinton Keith at Whitewood to Menifee Road around 3:30 p.m.

At the height of the brusher, five Cal Fire air tankers and two water-dropping helicopters were making runs on it. However, as of 4:50 p.m., all tankers had been released, with only the choppers making targeted drops on the blaze, which was stalled between Los Alamos and Whitewood, south of Clinton Keith Road, with little room to expand, according to reports from the scene.

No injuries were reported. The only damage reported was to electrical transmission lines near the high school.

There was no immediate word regarding how the fire might have started.

City News Service contributed to this report.

Southern California braces for potentially dangerous heat, elevated surf

Sat, 03 Aug 2024 08:44:59 +0000

Southern California will see a potentially dangerous heat wave this weekend and continuing through the week, with several areas facing multiple days over 100 degrees, according to the National Weather Service.

The blistering temperatures are a result of a high-pressure system positioned over the four corners region expanding westward.

“We’re expecting warming temperatures each day leading to potentially dangerous heat risks by Sunday or Monday, continuing through most of next week,” NWS meteorologist Carol Smith said.

The Inland Empire will be among the hottest spots.

An excessive heat warning, previously issued by the National Weather Service only for the San Gorgonio Pass, Coachella Valley and desert areas to the east, has been expanded to include the Riverside metropolitan area and surrounding parts of western Riverside County.

It will be in effect from 10 a.m. Saturday to 11 p.m. Tuesday.

Temperatures on Monday will be in the triple digits, meteorologist Philip Gonsalves said. “Anywhere from 99 degrees to 108 degrees, depending on where you are in the Inland Empire.”

The Santa Clarita Valley will see temperatures between 102 and 109 degrees, peaking on Tuesday and Wednesday. Los Angeles residents can expect low to mid 90s, peaking around 94 degrees on Tuesday.

In Coachella Valley, temperatures could be anywhere between 110 and 117 degrees.

The heat wave is particularly concerning for the Cal Fire/Riverside Fire Department, which is still battling the Nixon fire burning in Aguanga.

“We have crews who are working extended hours and are out on the lines for extended periods of time,” Capt. John Clingingsmith said. “We make sure all the ice chests are filled with plenty of water and electrolyte-replenishing drinks and food to keep them going.”

The heat wave could be accompanied by thunderstorms, as well. Firefighters’ biggest concern is lightning without precipitation, or dry lightning, which could lead to more wildfires.

Clingingsmith stressed the importance of signing up for local emergency alerts. He suggests that all Riverside residents should sign up at RivCoReady.org.

In San Bernardino County, Health Officer Dr. Michael Sequeira issued a heat advisory urging residents to take precautions.

“Heat-related illnesses like heat exhaustion and heat stroke can be very serious, especially for those who are more vulnerable,” Sequeira said. “Being aware of summer heat isn’t just about staying comfortable; it’s about ensuring public health and safety.”

People can find air-conditioned locations open to the public on San Bernardino County Cool Places to Go or by dialing the United Way’s toll-free resource telephone line at 2-1-1. Seniors can also take advantage of the Senior Information and Assistance Hotline at 1 (800) 510-2020.

Beachgoers driven to the coast by the high temperatures should prepare for elevated, choppy surf in Orange County this week. Hurricane and tropical storm activity in a hurricane developing in Baja could create large swells, which, while beneficial for surfers in the U.S. Open in Huntington Beach this week, could prove hazardous for others.

“The beach is a beautiful place, but the ocean is dangerous,” Brian O’Rourke, Assistant Chief Lifeguard Operations at Newport Beach Fire Department, said. “When you step onto the sand, you’re stepping into nature. Before you go into the water, please check in with our lifeguards.”