Manzanita Fire Day 3: Containment Grows, Evacuation Warnings Lifted

BEAUMONT, CA - Firefighters were optimistic Wednesday about containing a large brush fire that has burned for two days and has threatened rural communities throughout the Banning Pass. The blaze, dubbed the Manzanita Fire, had burned approximately 6,309 acres as of Wednesday, and was 77 percent contained at nightfall, according to the Riverside County Fire Department.

What's more, officials say an evacuation warning that had been in place for some communities –including Mount Edna, Poppet Flats, Silent Valley and Twin Pines – is now lifted.

Sparked by a traffic crash in Lambs Canyon/SR-79 on Monday around 3 p.m., the blaze quickly spread thanks to strong winds and high temperatures. By Monday night, it had ballooned to 5,000 acres.

SEE ALSO: Details Released In Crash That Likely Sparked Manzanita Fire Near Beaumont [Photos, Video]

Though the evacuation warnings have been lifted, motorists were advised to proceed with caution while using state Route 243 and 79, and to be prepared to yield to fire personnel.

According to Cal Fire, about 1,300 personnel were deployed on the fire lines, aided by multiple air tankers and water dropping helicopters, water tenders and bulldozers. Firefighters responded from the county, along with Beaumont, Corona, Hemet, Idyllwild, Murrieta, Riverside and San Bernardino County.

Firefighters faced another day of near-triple-digit temperatures, with the mercury expected to drop just a few degrees from Tuesday's inferno.

The blaze also prompted a smoke advisory from the South Coast Air Quality Management District, warning that air quality could reach unhealthy levels in areas directly impacted by smoke, including most of the San Gorgonio Pass, San Jacinto and the Coachella Valley. The advisory was extended through Thursday morning.

Riverside County public health officials urged residents in affected areas to stay indoors with their windows closed and air conditioning on.

– Patch photo by Renee Schiavone / City News Service contributed to this report