Tropical Storm Kay’s winds may hinder firefighting efforts in Fairview.
Tropical Cyclone 03:00 Kay’s winds could impede Fairview firefighting efforts
As of Thursday evening, the Fairview Fire in Hemet had grown to 27,461 acres and was only 5% contained. Firefighters with the Riverside County Fire Department continue to battle the blaze.
Authorities reported that two residents perished while attempting to escape the blaze, and a third was carried to the hospital with severe burns to the arms, back, and face. The three individuals were attempting to escape the blaze in the same vehicle.
Multiple people who were engulfed in flames on Gibbel Road were rescued by fire services.
Numerous structures have been damaged, including seven that have been completely demolished. Additionally, officials estimate that 5,000 structures are threatened by the blaze. Close to 1,500 residences have been evacuated.
Monday at around 3:37 p.m., the Fairview Fire broke out and quickly consumed light to medium vegetation at Fairview Avenue and Bautista Road.
Several neighborhoods have been forced to evacuate, while others have been told to be prepared to leave at any moment.
At Tahquitz High School, located at 4425 Titan Trail, a care and receiving area for evacuees was built. The Red Cross established a second shelter at the Temecula Community Recreation Center, 30875 Rancho Vista Road, Temecula, California.
As a result of the fire, Hemet Unified School District officials have announced that campuses would stay closed on Wednesday and until further notice.
Tuesday, Southern California Edison alerted the California Public Utilities Commission that “circuit activity” happened about the time the Fairview Fire began.
Thursday, water officials canceled the boil water alert issued to scores of residents on Polly Butte Road and the area east of 41477 Gibbel Road.