Fire burns in Sage near Temecula (Kerri S. Mabee/SWRNN)
Fire burns in Sage near Temecula (Daniel Lane/SWRNN)
Update @ 10:48 p.m.: Fire officials have reported that the Buck fire has now consumed 3,000 acres and is still at 5 percent containment.
SWRNN writer/photographer Joe Fanaselle reports from the scene that the civilian who was injured appeared to have been a worker tending to dozens of marijuana plants off of Checkmate Road.
After the victim was airlifted, several Riverside County Sheriff’s deputies responded to the scene and searched the man’s belongings, including a backpack.
A search is underway for other workers who may have been injured in the blaze.
A total of 32 of 47 homes have been evacuated, according to a Riverside County Fire Department report.
Update @ 10:03 p.m.: One civilian is reported to have been transported from the scene by air ambulance with serious burns.
It is possible that at least one or two more civilians have been injured, according to a report from the scene.
Update @ 8:37 p.m.: According to a Riverside County Fire Department reported, “two firefighters have been transported with minor injuries” to area hospitals.
Fire officials now report that a total of four structures have been destroyed by the fire.
No new updates on acreage or containment were available.
Update @ 7:30 p.m.: Riverside Emergency Animal Rescue System is helping to evacuate animals, large and small, at 581 South Grand Avenue in San Jacinto, fire officials said.
Update @ 6:16 p.m.: Riverside County Animal Services officers attempted to assist with the evacuation of 12 alpacas from a property near the Buck Fire that is currently burning in the Aguanga area.
Animal Evacuation Centers include: Primary Small Animal Evacuation Center Ramona Animal Shelter located at 690 Humane Way in San Jacinto and Horse Shelter Helton Hay & Feed, located at 26852 Bradley Road in Menifee.
Update @ 6:08 p.m.: According to a Riverside County Fire Department, the fire has grown to 1,800 acres and is 5 percent contained.
Update @ 5:48 p.m.: Fire officials report that the first has grown to 250 acres and is zero percent contained.
Forty-one engines are now on scene with first responders from Cal Fire/Riverside and San Diego, Los Angeles County Fire Department, Orange County Fire Authority, Riverside City Fire Department, Riverside County Fire Department, and Riverside County Fire Office Of Emergency Services.
Photo gallery by Daniel Lane/SWRNN:
Update @ 5:26 p.m.: Despite some “very ominous smoke” blanketing the region, no homes or structures are threatened in Temecula wine country, said Jody Hagemann, spokeswoman with Riverside County Fire Department.
Update @ 3:34 p.m.: According to a Riverside County Fire Department report, the blaze has claimed roughly 125 acres.
Nine homes have been evacuated on Stanley, Garrett, Checkmate and Reed Valley roads.
Among the fire crews fighting the blaze are: six air tankers, 25 fire engines, six helicopters and 208 firefighters.
Update @ 3:22 p.m.: Fire officials have confirmed that three structures have been lost in the blaze. It was not known if these were homes or outbuildings.
Still no injuries have been reported to fire crews or residents.
The cause of the fire has not been reported at this time.
Update @ 2:50 p.m.: Evacuations have been ordered as the fire has reached 50 acres, it has been reported.
Mandatory evacuations have been ordered for residents living north of Sage Road, south of Stanley Road, east of Benton Road and west of Reed Valley Road, officials said.
An American Red Cross evacuation center has been set up at the Community Recreation Center located at 30875 Rancho Vista Road in Temecula.
Update @ 1:54 p.m.: The blaze burning just east of Temecula has consumed 25 acres, according to fire officials.
There are no reports of injuries at this time.
Original: A wild fire is burning in the area of Sage near Temecula, it has been reported.
Cal Fire and Riverside County firefighters are on the scene of the blaze, which was first reported at 12:56 p.m. this afternoon near Sage Road, between Lewis Valley and Buck roads.
So far, the fire has consumed about 10 acres and is burning at a moderate to rapid rate, according to a Riverside County County Fire Department report.
Heavy dark smoke is visible over Temecula wine country.
This is a developing story. Stay with SWRNN for more information as it becomes available.
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