A wildfire that broke out in Riverside County on Monday has exploded in size, burning 2,600 acres and closing a major freeway as urgent evacuation orders were issued.
The Shore Fire, which was burning in the area of San Timoteo Canyon southwest of Calimesa, started Monday just before 3:30 p.m. and quickly scorched 100 acres, according to Cal Fire.
The Shore Fire broke out Monday just before 3:30 p.m. CHP – San Gorgonio Pass
The wildfire had burned 2,600 acres as of Tuesday morning. UC San DiegoThe blaze prompted evacuation orders in the area and forced the closure of the 60 Freeway westbound at Interstate 10.
By midnight, the fire had erupted to more than 2,000 acres.
An evacuation shelter was set up at Valley View High School for people and pets, with another established at the San Jacinto Animal Campus for large animals.
The 60 Freeway had reopened to westbound traffic by late Tuesday morning.
The wildfire was burning in the area of San Timoteo Canyon southwest of Calimesa. Cal Fire
The blaze prompted evacuation orders in the area and forced the closure of the 60 Freeway westbound at Interstate 10. USA TODAY Network via Reuters ConnectThe cause remains under investigation.
The fire broke out the same day a brush fire started near homes in the Stevenson Ranch area of the Santa Clarita Valley.
The blaze was reported in a hiking area within Pico Canyon Park near Magnolia Lane.
