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.

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An Ozone Advisory is in effect for much of Los Angeles, Riverside, Orange and San Bernardino counties through Thursday at 8 p.m. in what the South Coast Air Quality Management District is calling a “multi-day extreme ozone (smog) event.”

The SCAQMD has warned that the Air Quality Index will reach “Unhealthy” levels in parts of the Southland — including portions of the Santa Clarita, San Gabriel and San Bernardino valleys — while air quality that is “Moderate” and “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” will be more widespread.

Ozone levels are expected to be lower in coastal areas.

In Lake Elsinore, air quality is forecast to be “unhealthy for sensitive groups” on Wednesday. A heat advisory was issued for Lake Elsinore, with temperatures expected to soar up to 103 degrees this week.

The AQI is likely to reach the “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” category or higher in inland parts of the South Coast Air Basin — including Lake Elsinore, Corona, Hemet, and Pasadena — as well as in the Coachella Valley, according to the Air Quality Management District.

When air quality is in the “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” range (101-150), the general public is unlikely to be affected. But people with heart or lung disease, children, older adults, and people who are active outdoors may be sensitive and therefore at greater risk. People in the sensitive groups should reduce prolonged or heavy exertion, according to the SCAQMD.

Forecasters predict the heat wave will reach its peak on Wednesday and Thursday, with inland valleys experiencing temperatures between 95 to 103 degrees. Desert areas are expected to be even hotter, reaching between 100 and 105 degrees, while inland coastal regions, including downtown Los Angeles, will see highs approaching 90 degrees.

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