TEMECULA, CA — Two wildfires ignited and raged briefly before they were brought under control Thursday in the Temecula Valley, where temperatures climbed to 95 degrees amid a brutal heatwave baking Riverside County.
In desert areas of the county, temperatures surged to 114 degrees, intensifying fire danger and placing fire officials on high alert.
The first blaze, dubbed the Madera Fire, broke out shortly after 9:30 a.m. near Pauba Road and Winner’s Circle, just north of Temecula. Flames quickly spread through brushy hillsides, scorching 19 to 25 acres before crews halted its forward progress.
Some 173 firefighters responded to the blaze, aided by air tankers, helicopters and hand crews. By Thursday evening, the fire was 95 percent contained. No structures were threatened, and no injuries were reported.
Later that day, at around 4:35 p.m., a second fire was reported near De Portola Road and Via Luisa. That blaze burned approximately 2 acres before firefighters stopped its advance. As of Friday afternoon, it was 45 percent contained with crews continuing mop-up operations. Southern California Edison also responded to secure nearby power lines, according to Cal Fire.
Another fire, dubbed the Reche fire, ignited in the hills of unincorporated Moreno Valley. The blaze charred at least 18 acres and spurred evacuation warnings around 3:45 p.m. At least 176 firefighters battled the fire.
The fires ignited as Riverside County endured a scorching heatwave this week. Inland valley communities like Temecula saw temperatures in the mid-90s, while desert areas reached up to 114 degrees on Thursday. In Mecca, temperatures climbed to 117 degrees on Wednesday.
Air quality also suffered. The South Coast Air Quality Management District issued advisories for “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” in parts of the county, warning that a combination of extreme heat, ozone pollution and wildfire smoke could pose health risks to vulnerable populations.
Despite the extreme weather, no evacuations were ordered in connection with either fire, and both incidents remained relatively small thanks to rapid response efforts.
Still, fire officials warned that the region remains at high risk for additional wildfires as dry vegetation, triple-digit temperatures and low humidity persist.
Residents are urged to avoid outdoor burning, use caution with power tools and remain prepared for sudden evacuations. Firefighters will remain in the area through the weekend to monitor for flare-ups and continue containment work.
