Juniper Fire Reaches 90% Containment

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CA — A brush fire that broke out west of Perris, scorching roughly 68 acres and destroying two homes, was 90% contained Wednesday.

The Juniper Fire erupted about 2:30 p.m. Tuesday near the intersection of Juniper and Santa Rosa Mine roads, between Gavilan Hills and Perris, according to Cal Fire/Riverside County Fire Department.

In addition to burning down two homes, the fire damaged at least two outbuildings and three cars, as well as a recreational vehicle, officials said.

An evacuation order went into effect within an hour of the blaze staring, impacting properties south of Blue Sky Road, east of Baquero Road, west of Maywood Club Road and north of Rocky Hills Road.

As of 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, all evacuation mandates were cancelled and downgraded to "warnings," meaning residents were free to come and go while not interfering with fire attack operations, which were close to wrapping up Wednesday evening.

At the height of the blaze, multiple engine and hand crews from Cal Fire/Riverside County Fire Department, Hemet Fire Department, Corona Fire Department, Murrieta Fire & Rescue and Riverside Fire Department were at the location, battling flames that moved at a rapid rate to the east amid moderate winds.

Cal Fire air tankers and water-dropping helicopters began making runs on the brusher prior to the arrival of ground crews, slowing the blaze and closing off one of its flanks.

Six tankers and four choppers were overhead the fire, with about 160 personnel on the ground, working to contain it Tuesday, officials said. The fire's forward rate of spread was stopped at 5:15 p.m. Tuesday

A tally of resources on hand Wednesday was unavailable.

The cause of the brusher was under investigation.