Three fires broke out Friday afternoon in Riverside County. The first fire was reported in Reche Canyon near Moreno Valley around 1pm. At least one structure burned in the “Reche Fire” which quickly spread prompting an evacuation warning. The fire scorched 437 acres. The county is under an excessive heat warning.
Later around 3:30pm, the Highland Fire threatened dozens of homes burning 105 acres. The largest of the fires is the Rabbit Fire which has prompted the closure of Highway 79 from Beaumont to San Jacinto has consumed well over 4,500 acres. Evacuation orders are in place in the area north of Gilman Springs Road, East of Jack Rabbit Trail in San Jacinto. The fire is completely out of control with hundreds of firefighters working in extremely hot conditions to battle the blaze. Several aircraft are also working to beat back flames. So far the Rabbit Fire has not consumed any structures. It is only 5% contained.
