A Reminder of the Extreme Conditions in SoCal

At approximately 12:50?PM on July 10, 2025, firefighters responded to reports of a vegetation fire near the intersection of Reche Canyon Road and Locust Avenue in the hills north of Moreno Valley. Initial Fire Size & Rate of Spread: First units on scene found around 5–10 acres ablaze, fueled by light, flashy vegetation and spreading at a moderate rate. Firefighting Response & Evacuations Personnel & Resources Deployed: CAL FIRE and allied agencies—including Riverside City FD, Redlands FD, Morongo FD, and CAL FIRE San Bernardino/San Diego—responded with: 22 engines 2 helicopters 2 bulldozers 5 hand crews Approximately 176 firefighting personnel  Use of Air Support: Three air tankers and a water-dropping helicopter began suppression operations by 1:30?PM  Evacuation Warnings Issued: Warnings were put in effect for homes bounded by: North of Ironwood Drive South of Locust Avenue East of Nason Street West of Highland Boulevard  Evacuation Shelter Opened: Valley View High School (13134 Sun Street) was designated as a temporary shelter location.  Containment & Final Outcome Fire Growth: By about 3:00?PM, the fire had grown to 18 acres, though by then the forward rate of spread had been halted and 15% containment achieved.   Full Containment Achieved: Later in the evening, the blaze was declared 100% contained at 18 acres, with no reported structural damage or injuries