Schools closed, more evacuations issued as firefighters battle wildfire in La Cresta

Firefighters battle wildfire in La Cresta

Firefighters Thursday continued to battle a wildfire dubbed the 'Tenaja Fire' in La Cresta that has burned nearly 2,000 acres. It is currently 10% contained, according to Cal Fire Riverside.

LA CRESTA, Calif. - Firefighters Thursday continued to battle a wildfire dubbed the 'Tenaja Fire' in La Cresta that has burned at least 2,000 acres. It is currently 10% contained, according to Cal Fire Riverside.

The road closure at Los Gatos Road and Via Volcano reopened as of 9:40 p.m., according to Cal Fire Riverside who advises drivers to drive carefully in this area due to the presence of fire crews and equipment.

The fast-moving blaze sparked around 4 p.m. Wednesday and quickly grew from 25 to 994 acres within hours.

Police officers were seen going door-to-door to issue evacuations placed for residents in some neighborhoods in La Cresta and Copper Canyon. Thursday afternoon Cal Fire issued evacuation orders for Montanya Place, Botanica Place, Belcara Place and Lone Oak Way in the city of Murrieta.

A care center has been set up at Murrieta Mesa High School on 24801 Monroe Ave.
Residents can bring their small pets if they are in crates. Cal Fire says horse trailers can be taken to the Los Alamos Sports Park on Ruth Ellen way.

Residents with RVs or motorhomes will be provided with free hookups ay Lake Skinner Recreation Area.

Evacuated residents wait patiently to return to their homes

As crews continue to fight the Tenaja Fire, evacuated residents have been waiting for hours to get back in their homes.

More than 500 firefighters were assigned to contain the blaze. Fire crews were optimistic about making progress due to Thursday's forecast with increased humidity, however, winds unexpectedly picked up by the early afternoon.

All schools within the Murrietta Valley United School District will be closed on Friday due to the fire.

Health officials with the Riverside Univerity Health System-Public Health asked residents in southwest Riverside to limit outdoor activities due to poor air quality in the area.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.