Vegetation Fire Erupts in Riverside County, Spreads to 25 Acres

Thermal, Riverside County, CA: A vegetation fire in the unincorporated community of Thermal in Riverside County, quickly spread to a total of 25 acres due to wind conditions Thursday night.

The fire was reported at 9:42 p.m., Apr. 13, near Avenue 62 X Jackson Street, according to CAL FIRE/ Riverside County Fire Department.

CAL FIRE and partner agencies issued an evacuation notice around 11:30 p.m. for residents in the nearby area.

Riverside County Sheriff’s Department was on scene assisting with evacuations. An evacuation center was opened at the gym of Desert Mirage High School at 86150 Avenue 66 in Thermal.

One firefighter was transported to an area hospital with minor injuries, reported CAL FIRE.

Firefighters will continue to work well into the morning to extinguish flames.

The evacuation order has not yet been lifted. CAL FIRE is due to report an update regarding the fire later Friday morning.

Just after 6:00 p.m., CAL FIRE reported the fire is now 20% contained to 19 acres. The change in acreage is due to more accurate mapping of the fire.

Johnathan Martin, Video Journalist / KNN