Shore Fire Blaze Holds At 3,085 Acres Burned, 40% Contained

EL CASCO, CA — The Wednesday morning report from Cal Fire/Riverside County Fire Department shows that the Shore Fire, which ignited near Beaumont, is holding at 3,085 acres. Overnight, containment grew to 40% containment, the department reported.

Ground crews made significant progress overnight, constructing and strengthening containment lines, laying hose around the fire perimeter, and monitoring interior hotspot activity, a department spokesperson said.

On Wednesday, firefighters hoped to strengthen containment lines and ensure hotspots remain within the fire perimeter. Interior islands of vegetation will continue to burn within the established fire area and may produce visible smoke columns throughout the day.

"All evacuation ORDERS and WARNINGS remain in effect. The Incident Command Team continues to assess fire conditions and develop a safe re-entry plan for affected residents. To view evacuation zones and maps, visit: go.genasys.com/ehbqun."

Motorists are encouraged to use alternate routes when possible.

"While Highway 60 remains open, fire activity and ongoing firefighting operations may impact traffic in the area. Please use caution and remain alert for firefighters, heavy equipment, and emergency vehicles entering and exiting the incident."

The smoke and ash from the Shore Fire have fouled much of the Inland Empire's air quality this week.

"Residents and motorists may continue to see smoke and occasional flare-ups within the area," according to Cal Fire. "This activity is the result of interior hotspots and pockets of unburned vegetation continuing to smolder within the established fire perimeter."

Evacuation orders and warnings that were issued Monday for the non-injury blaze remained in place Tuesday evening, Cal Fire reported (see map below; click the image for the latest updates):

An evacuation order means residents need to leave, whereas a warning means residents should be prepared to depart at any time. (The evacuation area can also be viewed via the following link: go.genasys.com/ehbqun)

An evacuation shelter has been established for people and pets at Valley View High School, 13135 Nason St., Moreno Valley, CA 92555.

Large animals may be taken to the San Jacinto Animal Campus, 581 S. Grand Ave., San Jacinto, CA 92582.

According to Cal Fire, 255 personnel are battling the blaze. There has been no reported structural loss or damage.

The fire broke out Monday afternoon near San Timoteo Canyon Road, west of Fisherman's Retreat, in the unincorporated area of El Casco.

Multiple air and ground crews responded to the area after the fire was reported at 3:22 p.m.

El Casco is a rural, unincorporated community situated in San Timoteo Canyon between Beaumont, Redlands and Moreno Valley.

Sheriff's deputies shut down San Timoteo Canyon Road, between Redlands Boulevard and Lake Shore, for public safety.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Check back for updates.

Another brush fire was burning inside Camp Pendleton in Southern California, sending smoke across the region.

Click here for more on the Mateo Fire.

The Mateo and Shore fires prompted the South Coast Air Quality Management District to issue a Smoke Advisory The district warned that air quality would remain unhealthy in some areas through Wednesday.