Murrieta Wildfire Spreads
Volcano Fire Near Murrieta Prompts Evacuations, Crews Battle 78-Acre Blaze
Key Points
Cal Fire reported a large ground and air resource deployment for the Volcano Fire, including 34 engines, three helicopters, three water tenders, four bulldozers and four hand crews, with about 187 personnel assigned as of roughly 5:29 p.m.
Evacuation logistics included Chaparral High School in Temecula serving as a temporary evacuation center with pets accepted, and the Murrieta Equestrian Center designated for large-animal evacuations.
Acreage estimates varied among outlets, with Cal Fire later listing about 78 acres in the evening, while other reports cited roughly 125 acres (and some early figures suggested around 200 acres).
Road closures included Tenaja Road closed between Avocado Mesa and Avenida La Cresta, and Los Gatos Road at Carancho Road; some reports also noted Tenaja west of Via Volcano being shut down.
Evacuation zones included a wide set of designations such as RVC-2244, RVC-2243, RVC-2197, RVC-2145, RVC-2146, RVC-2147, RVC-2245 and RVC-2198-B (with additional warnings for surrounding areas).
A fast-moving brush fire broke out near Murrieta, California on Wednesday afternoon, erupting around 2:50 p.m. near Via Volcano and Tenaja Road. Dubbed the Volcano Fire, the blaze quickly spread through dense brush, prompting immediate evacuation orders for multiple zones and threatening homes near the Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Preserve, according to Head Topics.
Fire size estimates varied as crews battled the blaze from the air and ground. Village News reported the fire reached roughly 200 acres, while San Luis Obispo Tribune cited Cal Fire's official figure of about 78 acres by evening. Containment climbed from 0% early on to about 25% by nightfall, edhat reported. No injuries were recorded.
Massive Multi-Agency Response Deployed to the Blaze
Cal Fire sent a large force to fight the Volcano Fire. By around 5:29 p.m., about 187 personnel were on scene, according to edhat. Resources included 34 engines, three helicopters, three water tenders, four bulldozers, and four hand crews. Mutual aid came from Corona and San Diego County, alongside Riverside County Fire Department, CAL FIRE, and Murrieta Fire & Rescue.
Air tankers and helicopters worked the fire from above while ground crews pushed in from multiple directions. Tenaja Road was closed between Avocado Mesa and Avenida La Cresta. Los Gatos Road at Carancho Road was also shut down, according to Head Topics. Some reports noted Tenaja west of Via Volcano was blocked as well, cutting off key access routes into the burn area.
Evacuation Orders Issued Then Lifted for Most Zones
Authorities ordered immediate evacuations for several zones as the fire spread. Zones included RVC-2244, RVC-2243, RVC-2197, RVC-2145, RVC-2146, RVC-2147, RVC-2245, and RVC-2198-B. Village News reported that by evening, officials lifted all mandatory evacuation orders except for zone RVC-2146, which remained under a mandatory order. Other zones were downgraded to evacuation warnings.
Chaparral High School in Temecula served as the main evacuation center, with pets allowed inside. The Murrieta Equestrian Center was set up specifically for large animals like horses. Road closures helped direct evacuees away from danger and toward these safe locations, according to Head Topics.
Conflicting Acreage Reports Reflect Fast-Changing Conditions
Fire size numbers shifted throughout the day as crews worked to get a handle on the blaze. Early reports suggested around 200 acres. Cal Fire later posted an official figure of about 78 acres, according to San Luis Obispo Tribune. edhat put the number at 138 acres. Village News reported the fire later grew to approximately 300 acres. The range reflected how fast conditions changed.
The terrain added to the challenge. The fire burned near the Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Preserve, a rugged and remote area thick with dry brush. Rural roads made it harder to move equipment and personnel quickly. The cause of the fire remained under investigation as of Wednesday evening, with no cause officially confirmed.
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