Mandatory evacuations are still in effect for the Tenaja Fire in Murrieta, California. The fire broke out Wednesday and continued to grow throughout the day, and has expanded to 1,400 acres as of 6:20 am. In addition, the South Coast Air Quality Management District has issued a smoke advisory warning for the area.
Please see this map of the Copper Canyon area for those in the evacuation zones. The yellow highlighted area is the mandatory evacuation area referenced on this map. pic.twitter.com/tmgXRm7SGA
— Murrieta Fire & Rescue (@MurrietaFire) September 5, 2019
The fire began around 4 p.m. on Wednesday and the cause has yet to be determined, however, thunderstorms were occurring in the area may be the cause. Luckily no structures or injuries have been reported, but the fire continues to grow and is only 7% contained.
500 firefighters have been assigned to the fire in Riverside County that broke out near Tenaja and Clinton Keith roads. In addition, three helicopters and six air tankers have been deployed to begin dropping water on the growing blaze.
While last nights humid conditions aided firefighters in containing the fire, the challenge continues today. Battling wind gusts up to 20 mph and temperatures reaching the high 90’s will prove to be an issue.
According to Jimmy Taeger, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in San Diego, warns that the heat can dry out grass and brush which can act as a catalyst for the fire to grow. Addressing the chance of showers and thunderstorms developing this afternoon, Traeger says the potential of these affecting the fire are low.
Cal Fire has announced that Clinton Keith Road between Grand Avenue and Avenida La Cresta is closed to traffic, and that those commuting should check with California Highway Patrol for information on detours.
