Fast-growing wildfire near UC Riverside prompts evacuations

RIVERSIDE, Calif. – Firefighters are battling a wildfire near the University of California, Riverside that came dangerously close to homes, prompting an evacuation order.

The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection said the fire broke out near a city street Sunday afternoon and quickly burned uphill into Box Springs Mountains, which includes a reserve managed by the university.

Aerial footage from a news helicopter shows the flames burning close to homes with retardant on their rooftops. Authorities issued evacuation orders for a neighbourhood east of the mountain in Moreno Valley. The orders were lifted several hours later.

About 150 firefighters are battling the blaze, which has scorched 1,000 acres, or 1.5 square miles. It is 44 per cent contained.

In Central California, a 300-acre wildfire burning near the town of Wawona has forced the closure of a popular trail in Yosemite National Park.