Highland Fire update: 2,500 acres, 20% contained; high winds in forecast
The Highland Fire that has been burning near Aguanga since Monday barely grew on Wednesday, according to Cal Fire. But firefighters were watching for winds that could fan its growth in days to come.
In a video posted Wednesday afternoon, Operations Section Day Chief Justin McGough with Cal Fire said much of the fire's growth on Tuesday had been concentrated in its northern edge, on the east side of Highway 371, north of Aguanga and its intersection with Highway 79.
McGough added that ground crews had made progress on containment lines.
The blaze was first reported at about 12:40 p.m. Monday in the area of Highlands and Aguanga Ranchos roads, near the junction of Highways 79 and 371 in the far south of Riverside County. The blaze started near a residence and the cause is under investigation.
Winds were expected to slow Thursday and Friday, although gusts of 20 mph will still be possible Thursday.
Cal Fire reported Wednesday night that the fire was 20% contained, up from 10% Tuesday night.
Changes to evacuations
Evacuation orders issued Tuesday remain in place east of Crosley Truck Trail, south of Cottonwood School Road, west of Sorenson Road and north of the San Diego County line.
Some roads north of the Riverside/San Diego County line are also under evacuation orders, while others are under evacuation warning, according to a Cal Fire spokesperson, Karina Espinoza.
Other areas with an evacuation warning as of 7 p.m. Wednesday are
North of Cottonwood School Road, east of Becker Lane, south of Wilson Valley Road, west of Wildwood Lane
North of the San Diego County line, east of Vail Lake, south of Wilson Valley Road extending west to Vail Lake, west of Crosley Truck Trail
Residents in the fire area can continue to check Cal Fire's evacuation map at for the latest updates at linktr.ee/calfirerru.
Full containment expected next week
McGough said in the video update that while residents might not be seeing as much smoke as they had early on, crews are still working and there are risks to the public in the evacuation zone, including possibly damaged power poles. He said utility providers are in the area and will repair and replace damaged infrastructure when it is safe to do so.
Law enforcement officials are also in the evacuation zone "safeguarding homes, roadways and the area," he said.
Cal Fire also reported Wednesday that seven structures have been confirmed as destroyed — up from three Tuesday.
The number of structures deemed damaged remained at six. The agency has said that damage assessment is ongoing and has not said whether any of the destroyed or damaged structures were homes. The number of structures threatened by the fire was pegged at 2,536 on Wednesday.
The agency also reported that 1,243 fire personnel were now assigned to the fire, along with 130 fire engines and 10 helicopters. One firefighter has been confirmed to have been injured, although Cal Fire has not provided any detail on their injuries.
Cal Fire said the fire is expected to be fully contained by next Wednesday, Nov. 8.
This is a developing story.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Highland Fire Wednesday update: Size, evacuations, weather forecast
