A fast-moving wildfire near Lake Elsinore on Thursday forced the evacuation of dozens of homes and consumed more than 130 acres, according to Cal Fire.
The Macy’s Fire burst into the vegetation near Macy and Orange streets around 5:40 p.m. An evacuation order was issued for dozens of homes west of Grand Avenue as the fire spread.
People watch the flames on a hill near Lake Elsinore.
(On stage.TV)
A map available Images provided by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection showed structures affected by the order. An evacuation center has been set up at Elsinore High School, at 21800 Canyon Drive in Wildomar, for people displaced from their homes, Cal Fire said.
As of 9 p.m. Thursday, 200 firefighters were battling a blaze that was 0 percent contained. The fire closed Interstate 74 from Grand Avenue to the Orange County line, and Grand Avenue from Machado Street to Maiden Lane.
A video released by OnScene.TV shows flames rising up a hillside just steps from the homes. Planes and helicopters dropped fire retardant.
“We have a huge fire here,” resident Michelle Mattson said as flames raced up the hillside behind her. “It broke this ridge right here, and there’s houses right on the other side.”
