Weather and terrain have played a large role in the spread of this fire, and with wind and rain in the immediate forecast, fire crews are getting ready.
Heavy rain and strong winds from an incoming storm Friday are expected to create dangerous conditions countywide, affecting the areas around the Fairview Fire near Hemet in particular.
A deadly wildfire that prompted evacuations south of Hemet grew to more than 19,377 acres Wednesday, with no change in containment despite a stepped-up response by fire crews struggling to slow the speed of the flames’ advance.
“This is an extraordinary heat event we are experiencing, and the efforts by consumers to lean in and reduce their energy use after 4 p.m. are absolutely essential,” said Elliot Mainzer, the California ISO’s president and CEO.
California Highway Patrol officers have arrested more than 600 people suspected of driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol statewide during the department’s annual Labor Day weekend enforcement campaign, figures authorities will update later Monday.
