Published Saturday, November 4, 2023

HIGHLAND FIRE

Photo (Above) Credit — CAL FIRE

Photo Description — Heavy smoke billows up into the sky on October 30th, after the initial wildfire started.

Incident Summary

— The Highland Fire incident is still ongoing from its initial time of when it ignited on October 30th at 1237 hours PDT.

— It is currently located on Highland and Aguanga Ranchos Roads, in Aguanga (Riverside County), California (USA).

— The fire was reported to be burning southeast of Murrietta on the start date with multiple 911 call reports to local Police on October 30th. A notice was released by the Police Department trying to calm fears, there was no threat to their City, and therefore, no evacuations were in effect.

— The following day, a lot of work, dedication, preparation, and emotions were in motion. Deputies with the Riverside County Sheriff’s Mounted Enforcement Detail helped a lot of folks to move their livestock to safer locations.

Current Status

Photo Credit — SBCoFD

Photo Description — This photo was taken by the Fire Department on October 30th, the initial day when the wildfire broke out.

— Firefighters have successfully reached 70% containment and are currently holding the fire at 2,487 acres.

— According to Fire Officials, “Fire behavior was minimal overnight, with no fire growth. Firefighters worked through the evening to cool hot spots and address any nuisance smoke(s) in the burn area. Steep and rugged terrain remains a challenge, and the weather will be warm and dry through Saturday. Firefighters will continue building containment lines around the fire perimeter today while cooling smoldering material.

— Shelters (see below) are still open.

— Evacuation Order in effect for Highland Fire perimeter only.

— Evacuation Notice in effect for North of Riverside/San Diego County Line, East of Crosley Truck Trail; South of Cottonwood School Road, and West of Sorenson Road.

Resources

Photo Credit (below) — North County Fire Protection District

Photo Description — Firefighters provided fire suppression by hose lines on November 1, 2023.

— The incident is still being managed by several agencies in Unified Command, which includes the following: CAL FIRE Riverside, Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, and Riverside County Type 3 All Hazard Incident Management Team.

— There are a total of 837 personnel which has dropped significantly from the day prior.

— Resources include 72 engines, 11 dozers, 11 water tenders, 17 crews, and two other types assigned.

Photo (Left) Credit — Victorville Firefighters

Photo Description — A Firefighter, FF Sutton is part of the OES strike team 6828C which also includes two other firefighters/FE Derose and FFPM Fredendall. They were immediately assigned to Division Mike and their primary objectives were to reinforce containment lines and assist with structure protection.

— Incident Cooperators are those who represent the following Public Safety agencies, humanitarian organizations, utilities, and businesses: California Highway Patrol, California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, Murrieta Firefighters (IAFF Local 3540), California Department of Transportation, American Medical Response, California Conservation Corps, California Office of Emergency Services, Red Cross, Riverside County Emergency Management Department, Riverside County Animal Services, United States Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Southern California Edison, Victorville FD, San Jacinto Valley Animal Campus (Animal Shelter), North County Fire Protection District, Utah County Fire Department, Escondido Firefighters, and the Anza Electric Co-op.

— Residents and those who may be in the area, can sign up for future Alerts with Riverside County by visiting their website at http://www.rivcoready.org

— Business partners came together to offer assistance to local communities — California Ranch Company (located in Temecula) was one such lifesaver who offered shelter to the people and their horses.

Photo (below) Credit — California Ranch Company

Closures

— Hwy 371 NB from Hwy 79 to Wilson Valley Road.

— Hwy 371 SB from Wilson Valley Road is only OPEN to local residents only.

Shelters

— Hoomans: Great Oak HS is located at 325555 Deer Hollow Way in Temecula, California.

— Large/small Animals: San Jacinto Animal Campus located at 581 S. Grand Avenue in San Jacinto, California.

Photo (Right) Credit — Riverside County Sheriff’s Mounted Enforcement Detail

Photo Description — RCSMED Deputies are helping local communities evacuate their horses and livestock to safer locations.

Damage Assessment

— The number of destroyed structures still remains at 13, with seven showing damage.

— As of Friday’s update to the reporting system with the NIFC based out of Boise, Idaho, the cost-to-date for fire suppression and containment efforts were listed at $750,000.00.

Injuries

— Two firefighter injuries have been reported and none to civilians/citizens.

(c) 2023 NW Fire Blog