Southern California wildfires force dozens of evacuations as firefighters face 100-degree heat
The largest of the three blazes is known as the Rabbit Fire, which CAL FIRE said exploded in size to more than 7,000 acres within 24 hours. As of Monday, the fire stretched to 7,600 acres with 35% containment.
Southern California's Rabbit Fire scorches more than 3,000 acres in hours
A wildfire dubbed the Rabbit Fire spread to more than 3,000 acres just hours after breaking out in Moreno Valley on Friday, the California state fire service in Riverside County said.
MORENO VALLEY, Calif. – A series of wildfires southeast of Los Angeles have forced hundreds of evacuations while firefighters battle through 100-degree heat to control the flames.
The fires are burning in Riverside County, and firefighters have attacked the flames with both ground and air resources.
The largest of the three blazes is known as the Rabbit Fire, which CAL FIRE said exploded in size to more than 7,000 acres within 24 hours. As of Monday, the fire stretched to 7,600 acres. Firefighters gained some ground on the blaze, increasing containment to 35% through the night into Monday.
Evacuation warnings are in place south of Seneca Springs and south of East 1st Street.
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A man stands in a road near flames of the Rabbit fire in Moreno Valley in Riverside County, Californian on July 14, 2023.
(DAVID SWANSON/AFP / Getty Images)
Firefighters said they had difficulty containing the blaze because of its rapid movement.
According to ALERTCalifornia, crews worked to protect important infrastructure on Mount Davis on Saturday.
Time-lapse video of California's Rabbit Fire
Firefighters protecting infrastructure in Riverside County against the fast moving Rabbit Fire.
Prior to the Rabbit Fire, the Reche Fire broke out a little before 1 p.m. Friday. The Reche Fire prompted evacuation orders before they were all eventually lifted. The blaze is nearly contained after burning more than 430 acres.
About two hours later, the Highland Fire broke out in the Beaumont area, prompting evacuations before they were eventually pulled back. The Highland Fire consumed more than 100 acres and is almost fully contained.
On Saturday, the Riverside Fire Department responded to another fire near Gavilan Road and Smith Road around 3:30 p.m., prompting several road closures and evacuations near Perris.
The Gavilan Fire grew to more than 330 acres and is 50% contained.
Officials have not released the causes of the fires for all four incidents.
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An aircraft drops fire retardant during the Rabbit fire Moreno Valley in Riverside County, Californian on July 14, 2023.
(DAVID SWANSON/AFP / Getty Images)
The fires come as millions of Americans face dangerously high temperatures this week while a powerful heat wave stretches from California to Florida. While the heat likely peaked over the weekend, it won't be going anywhere soon.
Excessive Heat Warnings are in effect for most of Southern California through Tuesday evening, including the Los Angeles area.
U.S. heat alerts in effect through Tuesday night.
(FOX Weather)