What is the name and location of the wildfire?

As of October 31, 2023, the Highland Fire is an active fire burning in Riverside County, California (1)(2). Fueled by Santa Ana winds, the fire broke out near the intersection of Highlands and Aguanga Ranchos roads, approximately 20 miles east of Temeculaand near the San Diego County line.

Which cities or areas are affected by the wildfire?

The following cities, towns, and areas in Riverside County, California, are directly impacted by the Highland Fire:

• Aguanga
• Temecula
• San Jacinto
• Areas south of Sage Road, east of Becker Lane, west of Boulder Vista, north of Cottonwood Creek, and south of Highway 371.

What is the current containment status of the wildfire?

As of 10 AM, October 31, the Highland Fire has 0% containment. Firefighters are actively battling the blaze, but containment efforts have not made significant progress yet.

Are there any evacuation orders or alerts in place?

Evacuation orders have been issued for several areas affected by the Highland Fire. An evacuation warning has also been issued for specific regions. Evacuation orders are in place for:

• South of Sage Road and Golden Creek
• East of Becker Lane
• West of Boulder Vista
• North of Cottonwood Creek
• South of Highway 371
• West of Soreson and north of County Line Road
• North of San Diego County line
• South of Highway 79
• East of Forest Route 8S07
• West of Crosley Truck Trail

Additionally, an evacuation warning has been issued for:

• East of Vail Lake Resort
• West of Shirley Way
• North of David Street
• South of Pueblo Road and Exa Ely Road
• West of Cahuilla Tribal Reservation boundary and north of County Line Road

A care and reception center has been set up at Great Oak High School in Temecula for those affected by the evacuations. A shelter for large animals is available at the San Jacinto Animal Shelter on South Grand Avenue in San Jacinto.

How can I protect myself from wildfire smoke?

Always plan ahead to protect yourself from wildfire smoke.

• Get a free air quality app for real-time air quality alerts and forecasts.
• Shut doors and windows and set the HVAC to recirculate mode.
• Run a high-performance air purifier to filter wildfire smoke.
• Contribute to your community’s outdoor air quality data.
• Stay indoors; if you do need to go outdoors, wear a KN95/FFP2 mask.