KTLA

Sandia Fire ignites near Temecula

The Riverside County Fire Department released this map of evacuations due to the Sandia Fire on July 5, 2023.

The Riverside County Fire Department responded to a multi-acre brush fire near Temecula Wednesday afternoon.

The Sandia Fire, as it’s been named, broke out in the late morning near the 48100 block of Sandia Creek Drive, the RCFD said on Twitter.


Around 12:10 p.m., the fire was consuming “light flashy fuels at a moderate rate of spread,” fire officials said.

By 1:15 p.m., it was 6 acres in size with 0% contained. By 4:45 p.m., the flames had spread to 7.6 acres with around 95% containment.

An evacuation order covering areas along Sandia Creek Road from DeAnza Road to El Prado Road was lifted around 4:30 p.m.

“Fire resources will remain on scene completing containment lines around the fire,” authorities said. “Please use caution when returning to the area as fire resources work along the roadway.”

A care and reception center has been set up at Temecula Valley High School, 31555 Rancho Vista Road.

For a map of the evacuation area, visit the Cal Fire and RCFD website.