The Anza Fire, which started Monday, Aug. 10, was fully contained, Saturday, Aug. 15. The fire, which was actually in the Piñyon area, burned a total of 543 acres over the five days.
It started when a motor home caught fire and pulled to the side of Highway 74. The initial response to the fire required the closure of the highway Monday afternoon, but it was re-opened in both directions by Tuesday afternoon.
During the fire’s duration, 353 firefighters were involved in battling it. This included five helicopters and seven air tankers. Units from Cal Fire, the U.S. Forest Service and various Riverside County fire departments participated in the effort.
The Red Cross established an evacuation center at Hamilton High School Monday afternoon. Since most residents sheltered in place, according to Riverside County Fire, the evacuation orders were lifted Tuesday morning, Aug. 11.
That day, the South Coast Air Quality Management Division issued a smoke advisory for portions of Riverside and San Bernardino counties due to the smoke drift that day. These were considered unhealthful levels due to significant amounts of smoke.
Four people suffered injuries from the fire. The driver of the mobile home suffered first and second degree burns on his right arm. Three firefighters suffered minor injuries. After transport to local hospitals, they were released and cleared to return to work on Wednesday, Aug. 12.
