Volcano Fire Near Murrieta Scorches 130 Acres, Containment Grows

MURRIETA, CA — The Volcano Fire burning in the Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Reserve near the La Cresta community was held to 138 acres and has reached 45% containment as of Wednesday morning, according to the Cal Fire/Riverside County Fire Department's morning report.

As of 8:45 a.m., fire crews made good progress last night working hot spots around the perimeter, a spokesperson for the department said. Only one area remained under an evacuation order, while others have been reduced to an evacuation warning.

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In addition to evacuating residents overnight, the largely equestrian area has removed many horses and livestock from harm's way.

An evacuation shelter remained open at Chapparal High School, at 27215 Nicolas Road. Large animals were being taken in at the Murrieta Equestrian Center, located at 42646 Juniper Street.

Throughout the day, crews plan to strengthen containment lines and work heavy fuel deposits and hot spots in the interior of the fire, they said.

Meanwhile, the weather is not cooperating.

"Temperatures will increase today, and crews from throughout Southern California have arrived to assist in the firefight," according to CalFire's information officer. "Evacuation Orders and Warnings remain in place and will be reevaluated as conditions warrant."