Firefighters stopped the forward spread of the Crossing Fire Tuesday evening after it burned 126 acres in Riverside County, destroying one structure and injuring two firefighters.
The wildfire, which broke out earlier in the day near Lower Ranch Road and Pete’s Crossing, close to Aguanga off State Route 371, was 10% contained as of 6:30 p.m., according to CAL FIRE’s Riverside Unit. The cause remains under investigation.
CAL FIRE officials said the fire’s forward progress was stopped at approximately 5:02 p.m. All evacuation warnings have since been lifted, and evacuation centers, including the Anza Community Center, have closed.
A total of 189 personnel are assigned to the incident, along with 20 engines, four water tenders, two helicopters, six hand crews, and 10 additional support units. No dozers were currently assigned to the fire. Numerous firefighting air tankers from across the state conducted aerial suppression missions throughout the day.
The blaze threatened multiple structures and destroyed one. Two firefighters were reported injured; no civilian injuries or fatalities have been reported.
The fire is under a unified command led by CAL FIRE Riverside Unit with support from cooperating agencies including the City of Corona Fire Department, City of Hemet Fire Department, Ontario Fire Department, and Riverside City Fire Department.
Fire crews remain on scene Tuesday evening, working to strengthen containment lines and monitor for flare-ups.
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Evacuation orders issued for Crossing Fire
Evacuation orders were issued Monday as the Crossing Fire scorched more than 100 acres in Riverside County, threatening homes and prompting a large-scale firefighting response.
The fire began near Lower Ranch Road and Pete’s Crossing, close to Aguanga off State Route 371, and had burned approximately 112 acres by late afternoon. As of 4:20 p.m., containment remained at zero percent, according to fire officials.
Authorities issued mandatory evacuation orders for Zone RVC-TULE3 due to an immediate threat to life. Residents in the warning zones of RVC-TULE1 and RVC-TULE2 were advised to be prepared to leave at a moment’s notice.
An evacuation shelter has been opened at the Anza Community Center, located at 56630 CA-371 in Anza. An animal evacuation shelter is available at 581 South Grant Avenue in San Jacinto.
The fire is being described as terrain-driven with slight wind, and officials say crews are making progress on containment lines with support from fixed-wing air tankers and helicopters. Additional firefighting units were still arriving as of the latest update.
Congestion caused by construction along Highway 79 South, near Dugan Road and the Dripping Springs area, has complicated evacuation efforts. Several residents expressed concern that delays were making it difficult to safely leave the area.
A total of 202 firefighting personnel are assigned to the incident, supported by 21 engines, three water tenders, two helicopters, two bulldozers, six hand crews, and 20 additional units. Cooperating agencies include the City of Corona Fire Department, City of Hemet Fire Department, Ontario Fire Department, and Riverside City Fire Department.
Officials continue to urge residents to monitor official channels for updates and to follow evacuation instructions promptly.
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3:30 pm UPDATE: The vegetation fire has increased in size and continues to burn in light brush with a moderate rate of spread in rugged terrain. Two additional water tenders have been requested to support ongoing suppression efforts. Ground crews and aircraft remain actively engaged as firefighters work to contain the fire and protect nearby areas.
