Bella Kent and Julie Reeder
8:30 pm UPDATE
According to the latest Cal Fire numbers, the Volcano Fire burned 200 acres and is 25% contained. All mandatory evacuations have been lifted except for RVC-2146.
Evacuation Warnings issued for the following zones are still in place:
- RVC-2076
- RVC-2077
- RVC-2143-A
- RVC-2144
- RVC-2198-A
- RVC-2246
- RVC-2292
- RVC-2145
- RVC-2147
- RVC-2197
- RVC-2198-B
- RVC-2243
- RVC-2244
- RVC-2245
UPDATE 5:19 pm:
 The Volcano Fire burning near Via Volcano and Tenaja Road in the La Cresta area west of Murrieta has been reported with figures between 77 and 125 acres and continues to burn at a moderate rate of spread, according to radio traffic from the incident.
Fire officials have indicated the fire has the potential to grow to as much as 2,000 acres under current conditions if not contained.
As of the latest official CAL FIRE update, the fire was listed at 78 acres with 0% containment, though official acreage updates often lag behind conditions reported by firefighters on the fireline.
Mandatory evacuation orders remain in effect for evacuation zones:
- RVC-2145
- RVC-2146
- RVC-2147
- RVC-2197
- RVC-2198-B
- RVC-2243
- RVC-2244
- RVC-2245
Evacuation warnings remain in place for:
- RVC-2076
- RVC-2077
- RVC-2143-A
- RVC-2144
- RVC-2198-A
- RVC-2246
- RVC-2292
An evacuation center has been established at Chaparral High School, 27215 Nicolas Road in Temecula. Large animals can be taken to the Murrieta Equestrian Center, 42646 Juniper St. in Murrieta.
Hard road closures remain in effect on Tenaja Road between Avenida La Cresta and Avocado Mesa Road and at Los Gatos Road and Carancho Road.
According to the latest official resource summary, 187 firefighters are assigned to the incident, supported by 34 engines, three helicopters, four dozers, four hand crews, three water tenders and numerous fixed-wing air tankers from throughout California.
No structures have been reported destroyed or damaged, and no injuries have been reported. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Residents are ordered to leave immediately if they are under an evacuation order and to stay clear of the area so firefighters can continue suppression efforts safely.
Editor’s note: The potential of 2,000-acres figure was based on incident radio communications. Official acreage will be reported from CAL FIRE mapping.
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UPDATE 4 PM – Evacuation orders for zones RVC-2197, RVC-2145, RVC-2243, RVC-2244, RVC-2146, and RVC-2198B. Immediate threat to life. There is a lawful order to leave now. The area is lawfully closed to public access.
Residents can go to Stater Brothers on Clinton Keith Rd. in Wildomar to get on a list for access to re-enter neighborhood. All non-emergency traffic should remain clear of the area for emergency equipment access and evacuation means.
Evacuees are being directed to Chaparral High School where pets are allowed. The address is 27215 Nicolas Rd., Temecula. Murrietta Equestrian Center for Large Animals, 42646 Juniper St., Murrieta.
A wildfire burning near the La Cresta community in unincorporated Murrieta had grown to 75 acres Tuesday afternoon, according to CAL FIRE.
The Volcano Fire was reported at about 3:36 p.m. near Via Volcano and Tenaja Road. As of Tuesday afternoon, the fire was 0% contained, and the cause remained under investigation.
Firefighters from multiple agencies responded to the blaze with both ground and air resources. According to CAL FIRE, 125 personnel were assigned to the incident, including 19 fire engines, one water tender, three helicopters, two dozers, four hand crews and 10 additional support resources.
Numerous air tankers from throughout California were conducting fire suppression missions as conditions allowed.
Authorities issued hard road closures on Tenaja Road between Avocado Mesa and Avenida La Cresta, as well as on Los Gatos Road at Carancho Road. Evacuation information was being monitored as crews worked to slow the fire’s spread.
No injuries, fatalities or damage to structures had been reported as of Tuesday afternoon. Information on structures threatened was not immediately available.
Agencies assisting with the response include CAL FIRE Riverside Unit, the Pechanga Fire Department, Murrieta Fire Department, Corona Fire Department, Riverside County Emergency Management Department, Riverside County Sheriff’s Office and CAL FIRE San Diego.
The fire remained active Tuesday afternoon, and officials urged residents to avoid the area and follow directions from emergency personnel. CAL FIRE said updates would be provided as conditions change.
