A fast-moving wildfire erupted in Jurupa Valley on Friday, rapidly spreading across hundreds of acres and forcing evacuations for parts of the local population.
It comes as dry thunderstorms, which produce lightning and thunder but little rain, have hit California in recent days, resulting in wildfire outbreaks across the state.
Why It Matters
At the start of 2025, California was struck by devastating wildfires as a powerful Santa Ana wind event swept across much of Southern California.
The extreme winds caused multiple fires to spread rapidly throughout the Greater Los Angeles area, destroying thousands of structures, burning over 50,000 acres, and claiming at least 30 lives.
These fires occurr unusually early in the year, as California’s peak wildfire season typically falls in the summer and into the later months. Despite their timing, they rank among the most destructive in the region’s history.
Experts warn that climate change has increased the likelihood and intensity of wildfires, contributing to hotter, drier conditions that make such early and severe fires more frequent.
What To Know
The brush fire that broke out in Jurupa Valley Friday evening, forced evacuations and quickly grew to 400 acres, fire officials said.
The blaze, dubbed the Pyrite Fire, erupted around 5:20 p.m. near Pyrite Street and Granite Hill Drive, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire). Initially estimated at 15 acres and burning in what officials described as “light flashy fuels,” the fire expanded rapidly as evacuation orders were issued and later widened.
By late evening, San Bernardino County Fire Captain Shawn Millerick said the fire was pushing toward Fontana, prompting road closures. Fontana police announced that Sierra Avenue was closed from Jurupa Avenue to Armstrong Road.
“At this time, Fontana residents are not impacted, but smoke may still be visible throughout the region,” Fontana police said in a social media post.
As of 11:30 p.m., the Pyrite Fire had scorched an estimated 400 acres and was 5 percent contained, Riverside County firefighters said. Fire crews deployed helicopters for water drops and used Phos-Chek fire retardant to slow the flames.
Authorities have issued mandatory evacuation orders for several zones in Jurupa Valley as the Pyrite Fire continues to spread, warning of an immediate threat to life. Residents in zones JUR-0017, JUR-0018, JUR-0019 and JUR-0031 are legally required to leave at once, and the areas are closed to public access.
Evacuation warnings, which indicate a potential threat to life and property, have also been put in place for zones JUR-0020, JUR-0034 and JUR-0036.
An evacuation center has been set up at Jurupa Valley High School, 10551 Bellegrave Ave. An animal shelter is located at 6851 Van Buren Boulevard.
No injuries have yet been reported and no structures have been damaged, firefighters said.
Dozens of blazes have been ignited in California in recent months, many of which have been caused by thunderstorms.
In one case, a lightning strike sparked the so-called 6-5 Fire, which rapidly scorched the historic California “Gold Rush” town of Chinese Camp, including burning several homes.
What Happens Next
The cause of the blaze remains under investigation. People in the affected areas should monitor evacuation orders and warnings.
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