The Volcano Fire tore through dry brush west of Murrieta yesterday, burning roughly 75 acres near the Santa Rosa Plateau and sending a thick plume of smoke over La Cresta and De Luz. Fire crews rushed in after initial reports around 2:50 PM, with helicopters and airtankers quickly joining the fight as engines and hand crews staged along steep, rural roads. By late afternoon, the blaze was still uncontained, and firefighters concentrated on protecting homes on large, spread-out parcels tucked along the foothills.
What officials say
According to CBS News Los Angeles, Riverside County officials said the Volcano Fire had burned about 75 acres and was 0% contained. "Multiple air and ground resources are assigned," firefighters said, noting that crews requested 10 additional engines and aircraft to help knock down the flames. Officials described the fuel as medium brush along the plateau foothills, which made the initial attack more difficult.
Air support and immediate scene
According to KESQ, three Cal Fire air tankers and two water-dropping helicopters were called in and began making drops shortly after 3 PM. The outlet reported that homes in La Cresta and De Luz sit on large parcels, so deputies shut down Tenaja Road west of Via Volcano to keep access clear for engines and support vehicles. Local officials said evacuation warnings could be issued if the fire pushes toward more populated ridgelines.
California Highway Patrol officers later closed Tenaja Road from Avocado Mesa to Avenida La Cresta and also blocked Los Gatos and Carancho roads to allow firefighting equipment through, CBS News Los Angeles reported. No injuries were reported, and the cause of the blaze remained under investigation, according to the outlet. Fire officials urged the public to stay away from the area while crews cut control lines and work through the crucial first phase of containment.
What residents should know
Residents in and around La Cresta and De Luz are urged to keep windows closed against drifting smoke, avoid the Tenaja Road corridor, and monitor local fire and law enforcement channels for official alerts. Those living on rural properties should pull together emergency supplies and be prepared to leave quickly if authorities issue evacuation orders. This story will be updated as Riverside County officials release new information.
