A 250-acre fire dubbed the Tenaja Fire was burning in La Cresta, just west of Murrieta, threatening homes and forcing evacuations, authorities said.
Evacuation orders were issued for all residences along The Trail Circle in La Cresta, along with the Santa Rosa Plateau Visitor Center located at 39400 Clinton Keith Road, CAL Fire Riverside said.
In addition, Clinton Keith Road was closed south of Avenida La Cresta.
The Riverside County Fire Department and CAL Fire were responding to the fire, with Riverside County Sheriff’s Department assisting with other local agencies, CAL Fire said.
There were 270 firefighters, three helicopters, 44 engine companies, six air tankers, four fire crews and two bulldozers responding to the fire, CAL Fire said at 5:15 p.m.
As of 7:45 p.m. the fire was approximately 250 acres in size and 5% contained.
A care and reception facility has been established at Murrieta High School located at 24801 Monroe Ave, Murrieta. Small animals were being accepted at the care and reception center, located at Murrieta Mesa High School. Large Animals can be taken to the San Jacinto Animal Shelter 581 S. Grand Ave. San Jacinto, CA 92582
Below is a photo of the smoke from the fire as seen from NBCLA’s First Alert Radar Network.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
Photo Credit: NBCLA
Source: NBC Los Angeles