A series of spot fires originated from a transient encampment and spread along the Pomona (60) Freeway in Riverside on Wednesday. These fires caused damage to at least six properties, leading to the displacement of one resident. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
According to the Riverside Fire Department, the fire initially broke out around 2 p.m. along the retaining wall for the westbound 60, facing Stoddard Avenue. Engine and truck crews from the city and Riverside County Fire Department were dispatched to the scene. They encountered flames in three to four spots, which had branched out from the main blaze. The fires had spread behind houses, on both sides of the retaining wall, and even onto the shoulder of the freeway. Palm trees were engulfed in flames, and reports indicated that residences in the 3700 block of Stoddard and the 3700 block of Shamrock Avenue were under threat.
Despite the dangerous situation, firefighters bravely tackled the flames. In one instance, a homeowner used a garden hose in an attempt to fight off the fire. Unfortunately, one home sustained significant damage, forcing an elderly woman and her two pets to find temporary accommodations with the assistance of the Red Cross. The extent of damage to other properties, including potential outbuildings and garages, has yet to be determined.
The fires were successfully contained by 3:55 p.m., though the exact acreage burned remains unconfirmed. Flammable vegetation and dry conditions likely contributed to the rapid spread of the fires. Battalion Chief Mike Allen revealed that the fire was determined to be human-caused, with its origin traced back to a homeless encampment near the freeway.
As a precautionary measure, Fremont Elementary School on Orange Street was evacuated when flames approached the exterior walls of the campus cafeteria around 2:20 p.m. Thankfully, all students and staff were safely transported to a nearby church for shelter. A few students experienced shortness of breath and related complications, but fire department paramedics treated them on-site, and none required hospitalization.
In response to the increased fire risks, Riverside Public Utilities implemented a public safety power shutoff. This decision came after electricity transmission lines collapsed near several properties. The affected area stretched south of Fairmount Boulevard, north of Main Street, east of the freeway, and west of Shamrock. The exact number of impacted properties has not been disclosed.
To further ensure public safety, the on-ramp from Main Street to the westbound 60 was closed down. Two engine crews positioned themselves on the shoulder of the freeway to battle the flames, causing delays in westbound traffic. Furthermore, Stoddard was closed between Main and Fairmount at the request of the police.
Denial of responsibility! VigourTimes is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
