RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CA — The Rabbit Fire, initially reported Friday afternoon near the intersection of Alessandro Boulevard and Jack Rabbit Trail in the unincorporated community of Lakeview, had consumed 7,600 acres and was only 10 percent contained as of around 7 a.m. Sunday, according to Cal Fire/Riverside County Fire Department.
Full containment was not expected until Wednesday and 152 structures were threatened, according to an update Sunday morning from the department. More than 800 emergency personnel had responded to the fire as of Sunday.
"The Rabbit Fire remained active overnight, burning in tall grass and brush," the update said. "Fire crews will continue building containment lines around the fire throughout the day. Extreme heat is forecasted for the next operational period. High temperatures, steep terrain and difficult access continue to hamper fire suppression efforts."
A man, who might have been in or near a vehicle, was burned and taken to Riverside University Health System-Medical Center in Moreno Valley for treatment, CBS newsreported.
Two new evacuation warnings were issued just before 4 p.m. Saturday.
The evacuation warning area expanded to include north of East 1st Street; east of Jack Rabbit Trail; south of West 4th Street; and west of California Avenue. An evacuation was also added for east of Manzanita Park Road; west of Highland Springs Road; south of East 1st Street; and north of Forest Boundary Line.
For an interactive map, click here.
For a time lapse video, check out Banning-Beaumont Patch's Facebook.
Fire crews battled a large vegetation fire Friday night into Saturday as flames scorched thousands of acres in the area, and prompting an evacuation for dozens of homes.
At 11 a.m. Saturday, officials expanded an evacuation order to include the area north of the county landfill, east of Jack Rabbit Trail, south of First Street and west of California Avenue and Highway 79/Lambs Canyon. Officials previously issued an evacuation order for a small area north of Gilman Springs Road and east of Bridge Street.
An evacuation warning was issued for the area north and west of Highway 79/Lambs Canyon, south of First Street and east of California Avenue, officials said.
Beaumont High School, 39139 Cherry Valley Blvd., has been established as an evacuation center.
Road closures in place included Gilman Springs Road from Alessandro Boulevard to Highway 79 and Bridge Street from Gilman Springs to the Ramona Expressway. Additionally, Highway 79 from Gilman Springs to California Avenue was closed, the fire department reported.
Officials also closed Lamb Canyon Landfill on Saturday.
Motorists should avoid the areas and keep roadways clear for emergency vehicles. Contact CHP or CalTrans for alternative routes.
A man was burned Friday, according to officials. Reports indicated he may have been in or near a vehicle that caught fire. The victim, whose name was not disclosed, was taken to Riverside University Health System-Medical Center in Moreno Valley for treatment.
No additional injuries have been reported. The cause of the brusher remains unknown.
Macaroni Kid will keep this article updated as news is released.
Last updated 7/17/23
When visiting events and local businesses, be sure to tell them Macaroni KID sent you... and don't forget to tell all your friends!
 |  |  |
