Wildfire prompts evacuations in Riverside County

A wildfire burning in Riverside County has prompted evacuations as fire crews battle the blaze Friday night.

The “Hills Fire” was first reported at around 2:15 p.m. near Juniper Flats Road and Mapes Road in Homeland.

By 3:30 p.m., the fire had burned around 100 acres, according to CAL FIRE and the Riverside County Fire Department.

By 5:40 p.m., the forward rate had stopped at around 71 acres with zero percent containment. By 9:30 p.m., the fire was 25 percent contained.

Evacuations were ordered for these areas:

• North of Falcon View Lane
• South of Juniper Flats Road
• East of Alicante Drive
• West of Minton Road

Two local shelters were opened for evacuees at:

• Tahquitz High School – 4425 Titan Trail, Hemet, 92545
• Riverside County Animal Shelter – 581 S Grand Ave San Jacinto 92582

Fire crews are working to extinguish the blaze and air crews are dropping water and fire retardant on the flames.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation. More information on the Hills Fire can be found here.

An extreme heatwave paired with dry conditions continues covering most of Southern California this weekend, with fire officials warning the public to refrain from igniting fireworks or anything that could spark a fire.

Poor air quality warnings are in effect for most of the Southland through July 10 due to a combination of July 4 fireworks, wildfires and smog, according to the South Coast Air Quality Management District.

Air quality is expected to reach “unhealthy” and “very unhealthy levels” across inland regions:

• AQI will likely reach “Very Unhealthy” in Redlands, San Bernardino, Glendora, and surrounding areas through July 10, possibly beyond
• AQI will likely reach “Unhealthy” or higher levels in Santa Clarita, Upland, Ontario, Chino, Riverside, Moreno Valley, Banning, the San Gabriel and San Bernardino mountains and surrounding areas
• AQI will likely reach “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” or higher levels in the Coachella Valley, the Corona area, San Fernando Valley and San Gabriel Valley

This developing story will be updated.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.