Riverside wildfire guts homes; officials say suspects who lit fireworks were seen on camera

The fast-moving and destructive Hawarden fire, which ignited Sunday in Riverside, was the result of fireworks, according to city officials, who said an investigation was underway.

"In just over 24 hours, a moment of fireworks has had an estimated cost of over $11 million," Riverside Mayor Patricia Lock Dawson said in a news conference Monday evening.

The fire has destroyed six structures and damaged seven others, and "once assessments are complete," the mayor said, "I fear there may be more to report."

More than 500 acres were scorched south of downtown Riverside in the blaze, which was one of two fast-moving fires sparked Sunday in Riverside County. Officials said the Hawarden fire was not making progress Monday morning and was fully contained within the perimeter.

One firefighter had a minor injury, but there were no reported civilian injuries, Steve McKinster, deputy chief of the Riverside Fire Department, said at a morning news conference.

Lock Dawson said the estimated costs of the Hawarden fire were "$1 million in response costs plus $10 million in damage to homes."

"Families have lost their homes, cherished memories and personal belongings," she said. "The damage extends beyond property."

The mayor said there was camera footage of "suspects fleeing the area, and we also have a vehicle of interest that's being reviewed by investigators." Lock Dawson said the investigation would continue "relentlessly" until the perpetrators were caught, and she vowed to "prosecute to the full extent of the law."

The fire broke out around 1 p.m. Sunday, spread rapidly and spurred evacuations — "1,500 homes are surrounding the area," McKinster said at a news conference Sunday evening.

There were 50 engines battling the fire.

As of Monday morning, all evacuation orders were lifted.

Elsewhere on Sunday, the Eagle fire erupted about 2:15 p.m. at Cajalco and Eagle Canyon roads, east of Corona. The fire led to evacuation orders and warnings and burned out of control for several hours, blackening about 500 acres. The blaze continued to grow Monday morning, with more than 1,700 acres burned. It was 65% contained as of Monday evening, according to Cal Fire.

About 175 personnel were battling the fire Sunday evening, with 28 engines and a water-dropping helicopter, according to the agency. All evacuation orders were downgraded to warnings.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times .