De Luz Fire - Riverside County

Over 100 acres of brush near Temecula has burned, fueled by 15 mph winds. Businesses in the western section of Temecula are under evacuation.

Riverside County Fire department spokeswoman Jody Hagemann reveals that the fire broke out in De Luz, north west of Temecula, shortly after 2:30 pm Thursday.

The fire’s center was reportedly Rancho California Road north of Avenida Del Oro. From there the fire expanded. By 6 pm PST tonight, 100 acres were burned down the hill, threatening commercial structures.

Data As Of This Hour

Containment: 10%

Acres Burned: 100

Firefighters on Scene: 350

Air Support: 5 air tankers, 3 helicopters

Mandatory Evcuations: Via Industria and neighboring roads.

Temporary Evacuation Center: Unknown


The blaze in steep slopes between De Luz and Temecula was only 10% contained by late afternoon and conditions made it unpredictable, said Jody Hagemann, a spokeswoman for the Riverside County Fire Department.

“It depends on the weather cooperating," she said. "With the heat and wind, there’s potential for 1,000 acres” being burned.

More than 350 firefighters were on the scene and dense smoke covered the entire French Valley, forcing some late afternoon road closures. By evening, the fire was burning in the direction of Murrieta.

Check back here CalFireSanDiego.BlogSpot.com for regular updates.

CAL FIRE Inspects for Defensible Space

CAL FIRE Inspectors and Firefighters make sure homeowners have good Defensible Space around their homes. CAL FIRE TV takes a look at the steps homeowners should take to increase the chance of their home surviving a wildfire.

A new state law became effective that extended the defensible space clearance around homes and structures from 30 feet to 100 feet. Proper clearance to 100 feet dramatically increases the chance of your house surviving a wildfire. This defensible space also provides for firefighter safety when protecting homes during a wildland fire.

Defensible Space Billboards

As part of its ongoing Defensible Space Campaign, CAL FIRE now has billboard space in Southern California (Inland Empire) courtesy of Lamar Advertising. The company donated the space and will move the boards to various sites depending upon demand by paying customers. This will get the Why 100 feet? campaign out to those stuck in traffic.

Downloadable Information

+ Why 100 Feet Flyer

+ Why 100 Feet Brochure

+ Homeowners Checklist

It is important to check with your local fire jurisdiction to determine the law in your area.