Patterson Fire: 1,200+ Acres Burned, But Evacuations Lifted

FRIDAY UPDATE, 9 a.m.: Patterson Fire Latest: Day 2 Details, Stats, Photos, Video

FRIDAY MORNING UPDATE, 6:09 a.m.: The latest update on the Patterson Fire burning in Winchester came in late Thursday night, indicating that crews had managed to get some more control over the blaze.

"The fire is holding at 1,261 acres and remains 40% contained," officials said. "The forward progress of the fire has been stopped and all evacuations have been lifted."

The next update is expected sometime after the Friday morning briefing.

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WINCHESTER, CA — An out-of-control large brush fire is burning Thursday afternoon in the Temecula Valley area, sending smoke throughout the valley. The blaze was first reported at 2:19 p.m. in the area of Rawson Road, according to fire reports. That's near Winchester and Scott roads.

By 7:30 p.m., the blaze had ballooned to an estimated 1,261 acres, according to the Riverside County Fire Department. It is 40 percent contained and one unoccupied structure has been destroyed by the flames.

Evacuations have since been ordered near the fire. They are as follows:

• Mandatory evacuations have been ordered for Hidden Falls Road and Vista Road. Approximately six homes are affected by the evacuation order.

Fire reports indicated that that 10 firefighting aircraft have been called to the scene, along with 23 engine companies totaling 100 firefighters.

CHP reports indicated that the fire is "very close to a large home" and an estimated three or four acres away from another home.

Several other Inland agencies are assisting the Riverside County Fire Department in their firefighting efforts, including: California Highway Patrol (CHP), City of Hemet FD, March ARB, Murrieta Fire Protection District, Orange County Fire Authority Copter, Riverside City FD, Riverside County Fire Department, and Riverside County Sheriff’s Office.

• SEE ALSO: Incredible Reader Images Of The Patterson Fire In Winchester

Photos of the #PattersonFire in Winchester. Read more: https://t.co/siltTVPdrx pic.twitter.com/PICdKgHPCP
— CAL FIRE Riverside (@CALFIRERRU) May 17, 2018

Additional photos of the #PattersonFire in Winchester. Courtesy of CAL FIRE/Riverside County Fire Department. pic.twitter.com/4W2LFUfhv9
— CAL FIRE Riverside (@CALFIRERRU) May 17, 2018

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Image 1 courtesy: Heather Stegall / Image 2 courtesy: Riverside County Fire Department