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By James Bickerton
News Reporter
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A monster wildfire raging around Hemet in Riverside County had engulfed 19,377 acres by late on Wednesday, almost twice the figure recorded earlier in the day, according to the Riverside County Fire Department (RCFD).
The Fairview Fire, which has been burning since Monday, had killed two people and seriously injured another as of Tuesday.
At 7 p.m. on Wednesday an RCFD update said the blaze had grown to 9,846 acres and was threatening 2,000 structures and had only been 5 percent contained. A further update at 10.30 p.m. on Twitter, said it had grown to cover 19,377 acres and was still only 5 percent contained.
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Evacuation orders are in place for a large area, extending from Diamond Valley Lake in the west to Thomas Mountain in the east, and Hemet's Florida Avenue in the north to Sage Road in the south.
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Additionally, evacuation five evacuation warnings have been imposed on surrounding areas, including northern parts of Anza, Valle Vista and the Mountain Centre.
When an evacuation order is in place residents are legally required to leave the area. An evacuation warning means residents should consider leaving, as there is a threat to life or property, but this is not compulsory.
Riverside County has proclaimed a local emergency, meaning it could receive additional federal and state funds to repair the damage.
California Fire Chief Josh Janssen addressed reporters on Wednesday morning, stating: "Unfortunately the fire continued to outpace our efforts and burned actively on all flanks.
"It was clear that the fire was outpacing our air and ground resources."
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Two evacuation centers have been opened, at Tahquitz High School and Temecula Community Center.
Speaking to the Los Angeles Times, David Foust, an American Red Cross shelter manager, said 50-60 people had checked into Tahquitz High School since the fire began. Of these 17 remained on site during Wednesday.
Foust added: "We're here for as long as we're needed, however long that may be.
"If evacuation areas expand to more urban areas, we have that capacity to increase based on the demand."
The blaze is being fought by more than 280 firefighters, with support from helicopters and aircraft.
In a message posted on Twitter, the RCFD said: "The public is reminded to stay vigilant on current fire conditions. Please continue to adhere to road closures and any evacuation orders and warnings.
"A reminder to drive slowly and yield to emergency personnel in the area. There will be smoke in the respective areas as firefighters continue firefighting operations. If at any time you feel unsafe, please call 911."
California has seen a scorching week with temperatures at times exceeding 110F in Central Valley, and above 100F well along the coastline.
While temperatures are forecast to drop for northern California, they could be kept high for southern areas on Friday by Hurricane Kay, which is carrying more extreme heat toward the state.
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