Published November 2, 2023, Thursday

HIGHLAND FIRE

Photo Credit — AlertCalifornia

Incident Summary

— A wildfire named the HIGHLAND FIRE for its location in theh community of Aguanga in the unincorporated portion of Riverside County, California.

— The fire ignited from an unknown source on October 30, 2023, at 1239 hours PDT.

Current Status

— The wildfire currently has burned through 2,487 acres and has been increased to a 40% containment status from yesterday’s 20%, which is a good sign as firefighters, equipment and other resources from above are making good progress on their fire objectives.

— Fire Officials decided to continue with their fire operations plan and fight it during the evening, which was said to be twice as dangerous than operating during the daylight. Aircraft flew over the area with Copter 301 dropping a total of 4,200 gallons of water in a show of fire suppression from the skies.

— Officials expect full containment of the fire on November 8, 2023.

Damage Assessment

— There has been seven destroyed with six damaged and about 2,356 structures still under direct threat.

Incident Cooperators

— There are several agencies in Unified Command, which include the CAL FIRE/Riverside County FD, Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, and Riverside County Type 3 All Hazard which are currently in Unified Command.

— Assisting agencies listed as Incident Cooperators include CHP, CA DOC, CA DOT, AMR, CA Conversation Corps, CA OES, ARC, RCEMD, RCAS, USFS, BLM, BIA, Southern CA Edison, Ariza Electric Corp.

Resources

Photo Credit — CAL FIRE

— There are currently 125 engines, 14 water tenders, two copters, 21 hand crews, 12 dozers, eight other type of staffing and a 1,204 total fire personnel.

Injuries

— One firefighter has been injured and there are no reports of deaths/injuries to any civillians.

Shelter

— A Shelter has been opened at the Great Oak H.S. located at 32555 Deer Hollow Way, Temecula, California.

Animal Evacuation Center

— Both large and small animals can evacuatioe to the San Jacinto Animal Campus, located at 581 South Grand Avenue Avenue in San Jacinto, CA.

— Need assistance? Contact the agency at 951-358-7387.

Evacuations

— Evacuation warnings include those in the following areas:

  • North — of Riverside/San Diego County Line and Cottonwood School Road extending east to Hwy 371
  • East — of Sorenson Road and Crosley Truck Trail
  • South — of Hwy 371 and Wilson Valley Road extending east to Hwy 371
  • West — of Puckit Drive and extending north

— Evacuation Orders include those in the following areas:

  • North — of Riverside/San Diego County Line
  • East — of Crosley Truck Taril
  • South — of Cottonwood School Road
  • West — of Sorenson Road

DID YOU KNOW?

According to the Office of Governor of California’s Office, wildfires occur yearround and aren’t confined to a set number of months, as they would be like our Pacific Northwestern states, such as Washington and/or Oregon (USA).

About $117 Million will be distributed for local wildfire prevention projects occurring across the state, with already distributing a whopping $231 Million. CAL FIRE has already these much needed funds to mostly vulnerable and/or underserved communities and considered, which is about 80% of the funding. This, says alot about the passion for wildfires and those it greatly impacts.

(c) 2023 NW Fire Blog