The Canyon Fire – still burning in the hills bordering Riverside and Orange counties south of the 91 freeway – is 75 percent contained, according to the latest report this morning (Friday). Authorities say fire activity has been minimal from yesterday to today, although firefighters are still building containment lines and responding to flare-ups and hot spots. The slowing movement of the fire has allowed authorities to use GPS mapping to more accurately assess the amount of acreage burned. Incident Command has revised previous estimates of 2,000 acres burned to 2,662 acres.
Authorities have also revised the number of structures damaged from three to six: four homes, a commercial building, and an out-building.
The incident began Monday afternoon, when authorities estimate the fire ignited off the eastbound side of the 91 freeway near the Green River Road exit. Gusty winds early this week caused the fire to grow to 1,000 acres within the first few hours it burned, eventually leading to the evacuation of some 600 homes in Corona’s southwestern foothills.
The Press-Enterprise is reporting that fire officials have closed Skyline Drive to vehicle, bicycle and foot traffic as firefighters continue to battle the blaze mostly from the air as it moves deeper into the Cleveland National Forest.
