Firefighters are battling a brush fire that has burned approximately 38 acres of vegetation as of writing in the Santa Ana River bottom near Pedley Road and Van Buren Boulevard in Jurupa Valley, Riverside County. The fire started late Tuesday afternoon, January 21, 2025.
According to the Riverside County Fire Department, the Clay Fire was first reported around 4:45 p.m. in the Clay Street and Van Buren Boulevard area, along the boundary that separates Riverside and Jurupa Valley. The fire, driven by offshore winds gusting up to 30 mph, moved toward homes along Bradford Street, prompting a brief evacuation warning for nearby residents.
Multiple firefighting units, including 25 engines, one water tender, three bulldozers, and five hand crews, were deployed to combat the fire. Due to the onset of darkness, no Cal Fire aircraft were utilized. As of Wednesday, 45% was contained, with crews of 165 firefighters working overnight to secure a perimeter and conduct mop-up operations. Roughly one-third of the burned area is within the city of Riverside.
Officials stated that while the exact cause of the fire remains under investigation, the area is known for homeless encampments where cooking, warming, and debris fires are common.
The Riverside County Fire Department urges residents to stay alert and follow updates as crews continue their efforts to fully contain the fire. All evacuation alerts in the area have been lifted.
Anyone can reach the Riverside County Fire Department PIO at 951-940-6985.
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