Wildfire Prompts Evacuations Near Riverside Freeway In SoCal
ANAHEIM (CBSLA) – A wildfire that ignited Monday near the Riverside (91) Freeway on the border of Orange and Riverside counties in Southern California has surged to 2,000 acres, forced the shutdown of two lanes of a major freeway and spurred the evacuation of about 1,000 people.
Corona fire officials have called for evacuations of about 1,000 residents of some 300 homes.
Authorities say the blaze is also burning into Chino Hills and Anaheim.
As of 7 p.m., there were no reports of any homes damaged and as of 9 p.m., the Canyon fire was only 5 percent contained.
A couple of tense moments but great work by the hand crews. Plans being developed for structure protection in Corona #CanyonFire pic.twitter.com/VSvxfNKjes
— Anaheim Fire & Rescue (@AnaheimFire) September 25, 2017
CBS Los Angeles reports that the Canyon Fire started around 1 p.m. on the eastbound side of the 91 in the west Corona area before spreading to the Coal Canyon Trail, according to Orange County Fire Authority Capt. Larry Kurtz.
Two eastbound right lanes at Coal Canyon Road were closed to make room for firefighting equipment, which led to a traffic backup for about seven miles, a CHP spokesperson said.
Intense flames could be seen burning at the edges of several neighborhoods and a large plume of smoke could be seen over much of Orange County.
Mandatory evacuations were issued in Corona for all homes south of Green River Road from the 91 Freeway to Trudy Lane, including Orchard Glen Tract.
Evacuation shelters are available at the following locations:
- Corona High School Gymnasium 1150 W. 10th St.
- Animal Control will be at the Evacuation Shelter site for assistance
The following roads are closed to inbound traffic:
- Dominguez Ranch Road, Nicholas Place, Canyon Crest Drive, Boulder Drive, Suncrest Drive, Ridgeline Drive (south of Green River), Serfas Club (south of Green River), Montana Ranch Road, Del Mar Way, Trudy Way.
The following schools have been deemed closed for Tuesday:
- Coronita Elementary, Prado View Elementary, Adams Elementary School, Cesar Chavez Academy.
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