A fast-moving vegetation fire prompted evacuations and a massive firefighting response in southwest Riverside County on July 7, 2026.
At approximately 3:00 p.m., Cal Fire/Riverside County crews responded to a reported brush fire near Tenaja Road and Sierra Elena. Firefighters initially found approximately five acres burning at a moderate rate of spread, with the potential to grow significantly due to weather and fuel conditions.
By 3:30 p.m., the fire had expanded to approximately 75 acres, prompting officials to request an additional 10 fire engines and a full wildland aircraft response…