Post Fire in Riverside County briefly forced evacuations during summer heat wave
RIVERSIDE COUNTY, Calif. - As triple-digit temperatures bear down on Southern California during this late summer heat wave, a massive fire broke out in Riverside County on Wednesday, briefly forcing evacuation orders before they were eventually lifted.
The fire, called the Post Fire, broke out just before 4 p.m. on Wednesday in the 20800 Block of Gardenias Street in Good Hope. In just a few hours, the fire had burned approximately 130 acres. The fire was eventually 100% contained by the next day.
Images from SkyFOX Wednesday evening appeared to show at least one structure completely destroyed by the fire.
Good Hope is about three miles southwest of Perris. Temperatures in Good Hope reached 105 degrees Wednesday.
Evacuation Orders
Cal Fire started issuing evacuation orders around 6 p.m. because of shifting winds.
As one point on Wednesday, evacuations were briefly ordered in the following zones in the following areas:
- South of San Jacinto Avenue and Santa Rosa Mine Road [Downgraded to evacuation warning late Wednesday night]
- West of W. 4th Street and Highway 74 [Downgraded to evacuation warning late Wednesday night]
- East of La Barranca and El Nino Road [Downgraded to evacuation warning late Wednesday night]
- North of Eucalyptus Avenue [Downgraded to evacuation warning late Wednesday night]
Evacuation Warnings
Evacuation warnings were briefly issued in the following areas before eventually expiring:
- North of El Toro Cutoff Road
- South of Rocky Hills Road
- West of Highway 74
- East of El Toro Road
Residents were able to check whether their address is included in the evacuation orders or warnings by tapping or clicking here.
Care/Animal Centers
When the fire broke out on Wednesday, a care center temporarily opened at Pinacate Middle School and at the San Jacinto Animal Shelter for pets.