Thanksgiving Day Ignites Canyon Crest Wildfire, Causing Growth

November 29, 2024 TruthUSA

A wildfire ignited in rural Riverside County on Thursday and extended into San Bernardino County as firefighting crews work tirelessly to combat the fire.

A wildfire was started near Canyon Crest Drive in Riverside County on Thanksgiving Day, leading to evacuations on Nov. 29 as it grew to cover almost half a square mile.

Fire officials have reported that the Canyon Crest fire has zero containment as of Friday morning, with firefighters working through challenging terrain and windy conditions throughout the night.

The California Department of Forestry and Fire Management (Cal Fire) stated in a social media update on Friday that “a significant increase in fire engines, crews, bulldozers, and night-flying water-dropping helicopters were deployed to suppress the fire yesterday.”

Approximately 215 firefighters from San Bernardino County, Cal Fire, Riverside County, and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) are collaborating to contain the blaze, which has also spread into San Bernardino County.

Additionally, there are 37 fire engines, two bulldozers, seven water tenders, and air tankers aiding the crews.

The fire originated north of Highway 60 near Canyon Crest Drive, approximately 60 miles east of Los Angeles.

The San Bernardino County Fire Department initially reported a brush fire around 5:30 p.m. on Thursday in the Canyon Crest Drive and Weeping Willow Lane area in Fontana.

The fire quickly spread uphill propelled by gusty winds, as confirmed by fire authorities.

No buildings have been destroyed, and no injuries were reported by Friday.

The cause of the fire is currently under investigation by Cal Fire.

Evacuation alerts were issued for the rural vicinity surrounding the active fire. A care and reception center has been set up at Jurupa Valley High School, situated at 10551 Bellegrave Avenue in Jurupa Valley.

On Wednesday, Cal Fire reminded the public that Thanksgiving is one of the peak days for home fires caused by cooking equipment. The department warned about the dangers of turkey fryers if misused.

The origin of the Canyon Crest fire remains unknown.

Thus far this year, Cal Fire has recorded 7,818 wildfires across the state, resulting in approximately 1,630 square miles being consumed by the flames. The department is responsible for fire protection and conservation of over 31 million acres of privately owned wildlands in California.

California’s largest wildfire this year, the Park Fire, was caused by arson. A man from Chico was arrested for allegedly pushing a burning car down a ravine in a city park in Butte County.

The Park Fire ravaged over 700 homes and buildings, scorching nearly 671 square miles before being contained by firefighting crews in September. This fire became the fourth-largest in California’s history.

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