A brush fire broke out in the riverbed of the Santa Ana River in Jurupa Valley on Tuesday, Jan. 21 just before 5 p.m., burning at least two acres by 5:45 p.m. By 7 p.m., the fire had grown to 38 acres as winds blew at around 10 mph, authorities said.
The Clay fire began burning in the Jurupa Valley riverbed behind the Western Riverside County/City Animal Shelter, between Pedley Road and Van Buren Boulevard, said Maggie Cline De La Rosa, public information officer for the Cal Fire/Riverside County Fire Department.
The fire burned in an area with heavy fuel as firefighters worked to contain it. Water-dropping helicopters doused the flames from overhead as firefighters surrounded the fire and defended structures in the area, broadcast reports showed. The fire burned in thick brush, which includes eucalyptus trees, which burn very hot, Cline De La Rosa said.
Also see: This map shows where the Clay fire is burning in Riverside and Jurupa Valley
By 6:15 p.m., the fire moved west and began to threaten homes in the area. An evacuation warning was issued for residents south of Limonite Avenue between Beach Street and Van Buren Boulevard, Cline De La Rosa said.
The fire moved across the riverbed into the Riverside City side by around 6:45 p.m.
The fire broke out during red flag fire warning conditions caused by low humidity and Santa Ana winds.
A previous small fire, also in the riverbed, occurred nearby on Jan. 13.
Originally Published:
