Residents in Riverside County, Southern California, have just experienced a nerve-racking weekend as two rapid wildfires burned simultaneously, triggering evacuation orders and warnings for many households. As of the latest update, the fires have not been fully contained, with the total area burned exceeding 500 acres. The risk of wildfires in other areas is also on the rise.
On the evening of September 5 (Friday), the “Pyrite Fire” erupted in Jurupa Valley, Riverside County, with flames igniting in the brush near the intersection of Pyrite Street and Granite Hill Street, adjacent to the city of Eastvale, where many Chinese residents reside.
Shortly after the fire broke out, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) issued evacuation warnings and orders, with nearly 300 firefighters engaged in extinguishing the blaze.
As of the morning of the 7th, the wildfire had consumed 521 acres of land, with containment at 20%, evacuation warnings still in place, and the closure of the southbound 2nd lane on Sierra Avenue. There have been no reports of casualties or property damage so far, and the cause of the fire is still under investigation.
To assist residents in evacuating, authorities set up an emergency shelter at Jurupa Valley High School, where pets from homes can also be temporarily accommodated at the Western Riverside County Animal Shelter.
On Sunday morning, Cal Fire posted on social media, “Firefighters have made significant progress overnight, maintaining the fire at 20% containment with no further land burned. Firefighters will continue to strengthen containment lines around the perimeter.”
However, the situation becomes more complex as California frequently experiences multiple wildfires erupting without warning simultaneously. As the fire department mobilizes additional resources from other regions to assist in extinguishing the “Pyrite Fire,” resources also need to be allocated to address the “Crump Fire” that broke out in another area of Riverside County.
The “Crump Fire” erupted on Saturday afternoon, with the fire initially spreading rapidly, prompting evacuation orders and warnings as well. Fortunately, by around 8 p.m., the blaze was 95% contained, burning an area of 55 acres.
The period from July to October is typically wildfire season in California. Apart from Southern California, large-scale wildfires are also burning in Central and Northern California.
On September 2, the “TCU September Lightning Complex Fires” erupted in four counties in Northern California. As of the morning of the 7th, the wildfires had scorched nearly 14,000 acres of land and 95 structures, with one firefighter injured and containment at 57%. Due to steep and rugged terrain, firefighting efforts in some areas present significant challenges.
With the wildfires still burning, evacuation orders and warnings remain in effect. Even for residents allowed to return to their homes, vigilance and awareness of the fire’s progress are crucial.
Another significant wildfire burning in Fresno County and Monterey County in Central California is named the “Salt 14-2 Fire.” By noon on the 7th, the fire had consumed over 25,000 acres, threatening four structures, with containment at 29%, and some evacuation orders and warnings still active.
The burning areas of the wildfires are close to major roads leading to national forests, though these roads have not been affected for now. However, the air quality in the vicinity has worsened.
According to data from the California Department of Water Resources, the state has seen below-average rainfall this year, with most regions experiencing drought conditions except for isolated showers in high altitude areas of Northern California and the Sierra Nevada mountains. Meanwhile, California continues to endure high temperatures, with many regions seeing consecutive weeks of temperatures exceeding 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
Cal Fire has observed that wildfires are becoming larger in scale, more dangerous, and encroaching closer to residential areas. Therefore, it is crucial to take preventive measures in advance, such as preparing evacuation routes and emergency kits, and to act promptly upon receiving evacuation orders.