Fire near Idyllwild prompts evacuations
Firefighters in Riverside County are attacking a blaze Monday that has grown to more than 200 acres — about four miles from the mountain community of Idyllwild — prompting the evacuation of two small residential communities, authorities said.
The fire in Mountain Center was estimated to be 235 acres by 5 p.m., with 5% containment, according to information released by the Riverside County Fire Department. The blaze was reported shortly before 2 p.m. Monday, near the intersection of California 243 and 74.
About 2 p.m., the fire was estimated at 30 acres, but grew swiftly to more than 100 acres by 4 p.m. Portions of California 74 and 243 have been closed.
Mandatory evacuations have been ordered in the Bonita Vista Community of about 20 homes; Fleming Ranch, which has about four homes; and the Living Free Animal Sanctuary.
Fire officials said that more than 300 firefighters are battling the fire, with 12 fire crews, four helicopters and six air tankers.
No injuries have been reported, officials said.
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