Inferno Comes To SoCal, Ushered In By Fall 2023's 1st Major Windstorm
AGUANGA, CA — Fierce Santa Ana windstorms are a sign that fall has arrived in Southern California.
With the savage howls, however, comes angst — especially for the region’s rural residents. Santa Ana winds bring dangerously dry fire weather.
On Monday, fears played out for some Riverside County residents. A wildfire fueled by strong Santa Ana winds broke out in Aguanga, a small town situated east of Temecula Wine Country.
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What started as a little vegetation fire in the community, known for its equestrian properties, quickly swelled into an inferno of well over 1,000 acres by nightfall.
By Tuesday night, the blaze — dubbed the Highland Fire — had torn through more than 2,400 acres, with several structures either damaged or destroyed. Thousands of people with their four-legged creatures were under evacuation orders.
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More than 1,100 personnel continued to battle the blaze Tuesday both on the ground and from the air. Multiple fire agencies from around the region joined the effort. One firefighter was injured.
There was just 10% containment on the brusher by Tuesday night, and evacuation orders remained in place.
A final damage assessment is days ahead. Crews don’t expect full containment on the fire until Nov. 8. Click here for the latest update on the blaze.
Attached are six photos that show the fight by crews who are working around the clock to quell the Highland Fire.
Related read: Livestock Evacuated From Highland Fire Find Shelter In San Jacinto
Livestock Evacuated From #HighlandFire Find Shelter In San Jacinto https://t.co/o8rZuaOxnI
— Ashley Ludwig (@AE_Ludwig) October 31, 2023
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