All evacuation warnings for the Clay Fire were lifted, and residents were told they could return home, but to be advised that firefighters would remain in the area much of the day.

At 4:45 p.m. Tuesday, the blaze ignited in the Santa Ana Riverbed, according to Cal Fire. The blaze burned toward homes, driven by offshore winds gusting through the Jurupa Valley area. Overnight, fire crews gained more traction in containing the blaze known as the Clay Fire.

Multiple engine and ladder crews from the Riverside County and Riverside fire departments were sent to the location. Firefighters found flames burning toward a residential area along Bradford Street as winds weakened, they said.

A third alarm was declared as the fire moved closer to the Bradford homes a short time later, and the neighborhood was briefly placed under an evacuation warning.

Dozer and hand crews worked overnight to build containment lines and conduct mop-up operations, fire officials said. Cal Fire officials said 23 engines and eight hand crews would continue their work at the location Wednesday.

The cause of the fire wasn’t immediately known. However, the river bottom is rife with homeless encampments.

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Officials with Cal Fire Riverside County said Soboba and Gilman Springs roads on Sunday around 2 p.m. The area is adjacent to the Golden Era Golf Course in the San Jacinto area. 

The fire, being called the “Record Fire,” had reached 517 acres with 65% containment as of Monday evening, officials with CAL Fire said. 

“Helicopters will actively support ground crews by conducting water drops to cool down hot spots and slow the fire’s spread. However, with extreme heat in the area, with temperatures expected to reach near 110°F, conditions remain challenging. The high temperatures and dry conditions will make firefighting efforts more difficult,” fire authorities said on social media. 

Amid the blazing temperatures, six firefighters were treated for what authorities described as “minor medical symptoms.” 

“Overnight, the fire exhibited minimal growth, allowing firefighters to make significant progress in increasing containment. Firefighters will continue to work throughout the day, strengthening containment lines and addressing any remaining hotspots,” fire authorities said in an update Monday morning. 

Evacuation Warning

Evacuation warnings were issued in the area earlier in the week, but had been lifted by Tuesday night.

“Please use caution when returning to the area as fire resources continue working to fully contain the fire,” CAL Fire said. 

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The “Shirleon Fire” was reported at 8:30 p.m. Tuesday in the area of Old Banning Idyllwild Road and Shirleon Drive, according to Cal Fire/Riverside County Fire Department.

According to the agency, 10 engine and four hand crews were sent to the location and encountered flames burning at a slow rate to the east.

Throughout Tuesday night and most of Wednesday, firefighters worked to establish containment lines and close gaps.

No Cal Fire air tankers or helicopters were requested.

The fire was centered in terrain at the foot of the San Bernardino National Forest, and firefighters overcame challenges to fully encircle the brusher by 3 p.m. Wednesday, according to officials.

No injuries were reported in connection with the blaze, which did not impact private property.

The cause of the fire was under investigation.

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