HEMET — The Taffle Fire burning southeast of Hemet grew to 55 acres Friday, Aug. 14, as firefighters made initial progress containing the wildfire and evacuation orders remained in effect for two areas.
The fire was 5% contained, according to the latest information from CAL FIRE. It was burning near Taffle Ranch Road and Louis Lane, about 5 miles southeast of Hemet.
Evacuation orders remain in effect for Riverside County evacuation zones RVC-1912 and RVC-1979. An evacuation order indicates an immediate threat to life, and residents in those areas should leave immediately.
Evacuation warnings remain in effect for zones RVC-1769-A, RVC-1770-B and RVC-1913-B. People who need additional time to evacuate and those with pets or livestock are encouraged to leave while under an evacuation warning.
About 200 firefighters and other personnel were assigned to the incident.
Resources included 50 engines, two water tenders, two helicopters, three bulldozers, three hand crews and six other resources. Numerous firefighting air tankers from throughout California were also flying suppression missions as conditions allowed.
The fire remained active Friday evening under the jurisdiction of the CAL FIRE Riverside Unit.
No civilian or firefighter injuries or fatalities were listed in the latest incident information. No structures were listed as damaged or destroyed.
The cause of the fire remained under investigation.
The Taffle Fire was initially reported at 46 acres with no containment Friday afternoon before growing to 55 acres and reaching 5% containment.
Residents in the affected area should continue to monitor official evacuation information because conditions and evacuation boundaries can change rapidly.
This is a developing story and will be updated as additional information becomes available.
HEMET — Firefighters were battling a rapidly developing wildfire southeast of Hemet Friday afternoon, Aug. 14, prompting requests for evacuation orders and warnings as crews attacked the blaze from the ground and air.
The Taffle Fire was reported near Taffle Ranch Road and Louis Lane, about 5 miles southeast of Hemet, according to CAL FIRE. As of Friday afternoon, the fire had burned approximately 46 acres and was 0% contained.
Incident command requested evacuation orders for Riverside County evacuation zones RVC-1912 and RVC-1979.
Evacuation warnings were requested for zones RVC-1769 and RVC-1770.
An evacuation order means there is an immediate threat to life and residents should leave immediately, according to CAL FIRE. An evacuation warning indicates a potential threat to life or property. People who need additional time to evacuate, including those with pets or livestock, are encouraged to leave during a warning rather than wait for an order.
A substantial firefighting force was assigned to the incident Friday afternoon, with approximately 200 personnel, 50 engines, two helicopters, three bulldozers, three hand crews and six other resources responding.
Numerous firefighting air tankers from around California were also flying suppression missions as conditions allowed.
The fire was burning within the CAL FIRE Riverside Unit’s jurisdiction. The cause remained under investigation.
No civilian or firefighter injuries or fatalities had been reported in the information available Friday afternoon. No structures had been reported destroyed or damaged.
The Riverside County Fire Department directs residents to RivCoReady for current evacuation information and encourages residents to know their evacuation zones and sign up for emergency alerts.
The Taffle Fire remained active Friday afternoon, and acreage, containment and evacuation information could change quickly as firefighters continued suppression operations.
This is a developing story and will be updated as additional information becomes available.
