A brush fire, dubbed the Clay Fire, has erupted near the Santa Ana River Bottom in Jurupa Valley, California, threatening several structures and prompting evacuation warnings as firefighters engage on the front lines. The fire was first reported to authorities around 5 p.m. on January 21, 2023, and rapidly escalated from its initial size of two acres to nearly 40 acres within hours.
According to CalFire's latest updates, the fire is now burning just south of Limonite Avenue and poses significant risks to nearby homes, especially as winds associated with the Santa Ana conditions exacerbate its spread. An evacuation warning was issued for residents living south of Limonite Avenue and between Beach Street and Van Buren Boulevard, urging those with pets or livestock to leave their homes immediately.
Maggie Cline De La Rosa, the public information officer for CalFire, reported, "The fire burned in thick brush, which includes eucalyptus trees, which burn very hot." The dense vegetation and dry conditions are making firefighting efforts particularly challenging. Firefighters have mobilized multiple ground units and requested additional air support, including at least ten fire engines, bulldozers, and helicopters for aerial water drops.
By 7 p.m., flames were visible from the nearby city of Riverside, and the tracking website Watch Duty noted the danger to structures as the fire moved westward. Video footage from news helicopters captured crews strategically deploying water and firefighters working tirelessly to establish control lines around the blaze. Some localized spots remained active, and their containment is still underway.
The fire's rapid development has raised community concerns, particularly as temperatures remain high and humidity levels dip as part of the red flag warning. This alert, which remains active until later this week, warns residents of the heightened fire risk across Southern California, following low humidity levels and gusty winds.
No evacuation orders have been officially issued yet; nonetheless, local officials continue assessing the situation closely, evaluating the potential for the fire to extend even farther. Streams of emergency vehicles and firefighting resources can be seen mobilizing around the area, working to mitigate the threat posed by the Clay Fire. Residents are being kept informed through social media alerts and local broadcasts.
This type of fire is not entirely uncommon; just weeks prior, on January 13, another small fire had occurred nearby, raising questions about the local vegetation and conditions conducive to fire outbreaks.
Authorities are still investigating the cause of the Clay Fire, which remains unclear as of now, leaving the door open for possibilities ranging from natural causes to human influence. Community members are encouraged to stay alert and informed of the developing situation.
Given the circumstances, officials stress the importance of readiness and caution for anyone living near the fire's approximate location. Firefighters urge the public to heed evacuation warnings and stay away from active areas.
This remains a developing situation, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available. Community safety remains the top priority, and residents are advised to stay connected with local news and alerts.