500+ Acres Burned, Mobile Homes Destroyed, School Evacuated In Calimesa Fire
CALIMESA (CBSLA) — Several mobile homes were destroyed Thursday after a brush fire started near the 10 Freeway in Calimesa.
The blaze was reported just before 2 p.m. at Sandalwood Drive and 7th Street near the 10 Freeway, Riverside County Fire Department officials said.
A viewer sent Ring video showing a trash truck going through her neighborhood that appeared to be smoldering. She alleged the truck dumped the contents of that truck in her neighborhood sparking the blaze. According to CalFire peace officers, the trash truck dumped a load of burning trash that spread into vegetation.
The fire grew to 500 acres and was 10 percent contained overnight. A total of 74 structures were destroyed, five received moderate damage and 11 received minor damage from the flames. At least five homes at a mobile home park at Via Calimesa and 7th Street were among the damaged structures.
Mandatory evacuation orders remained in effect for residents living south of 7th Street and east of County Line Road. A Care and Reception Center was opened at Calimesa Senior Center, 908 Park Ave. in Calimesa.
Calimesa is located about five miles northeast of Moreno Valley, where another fire burned at least one structure earlier Thursday.
Firefighters continued battling the blaze overnight from the ground and air including six air tankers and eight helicopters.
Riverside County Fire was being aided by Redlands Fire and San Bernardino County Fire.
