EDITOR'S NOTE: Multimedia journalist Taylor Schaub visited a Walmart Supercenter in Temecula where evacuees gathered to escape the fire. Click the arrow above to watch the video.
AGUANGA, Calif. (CNS) — A wildfire that has charred 2,487 acres near the junction of Highways 79 and 317 was 100% contained, the Riverside County Fire Department reported Sunday.
As of Sunday morning, evacuation orders at the perimeter of the Highland Fire were downgraded to a warning, and all road closures were lifted, according to the department. The evacuation warning for the Highway 79 and Highway 371 area was also lifted that morning.
The fire started about 12:40 p.m. Monday in the area of Highlands and Aguanga Ranchos roads. The blaze started near a residence, but the exact cause was under investigation.
Two firefighters were injured battling the blaze. Thirteen structures were destroyed by the fire, with another three damaged.
GoFundMe accounts were established for those who suffered property losses. They are at the following links: