Smoke Forces Evacuation In Temecula Industrial Complex

TEMECULA, CA — An industrial building on the north end of Temecula was evacuated Monday due to smoke that drifted into the complex and was ultimately traced to malfunctioning equipment outside the building.

The evacuation occurred about 11 a.m. in the 40700 block of County Center Drive, across from Harveston Community Park, according to Cal Fire/Riverside County Fire Department.

Multiple engine crews and a truck company were sent to the location and encountered several dozen people outside the commercial structure, where light smoke was showing.

After the building was fully evacuated, firefighters initiated an investigation and determined the source of the smoke was a failed pump connected to the sprinkler system, according to reports from the scene.

The building was declared safe, and firefighters cleared the scene less than an hour later.