Two civilian fatalities have been reported in a blazing wildfire in Hemet, California, as several structures and 2,000 acres have burned.
The fire began at approximately 3:37 p.m. and spread rapidly at Fairview Avenue and Bautista Road, according to authorities.
As of 9:54 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 5, the fire was 5 percent contained.
https://twitter.com/calfirerru/status/1567013220757667840?s=42&t=JCBSKFEd9TXeRfHPfsjIjw
Evacuations were issued by Riverside County officials to include the foothills of Hemet Valley, south of Thornton Avenue, north of Polly Butte Road, west of Fairview Avenue, and east of State Street.
Riverside County Fire Department expanded the evacuation orders to include south of Stetson Avenue, north of Cactus Valley Road, west of Fairview Avenue, and east of State Street, the department announced on Twitter at 6:43 p.m.
A care and reception site for those in need has been established at Tahquitz High School.
The fire is reportedly heading east toward Idyllwild as of 8:30 p.m.
The blaze comes as a heatwave sweeping across Southern California brings record-high temperatures over the Labor Day long weekend.
