Homes burned Sunday when flames descended on a Southern California neighborhood, leading to widespread damage as reported by AP News.
The Hawarden Fire, one of several wildfires popping up across the state amid soaring temperatures, grew to more than 400 acres (160 hectares) and spread to a residential area of Riverside.
Riverside is located about 60 miles (95 kilometers) east of Los Angeles.
Evacuations were ordered as the fire, which sparked on Sunday, showed no signs of containment and continued to threaten several homes.
Aerial footage from KABC-TV revealed at least three houses burning.
The City of Riverside Fire Department confirmed the ongoing threat to multiple homes in the area.
Inland Southern California experienced multiple small fires, with temperatures reaching triple digits (37 Celsius) in some areas.
These fires added to the challenges faced by firefighting crews who were already stretched thin due to the high heat and dry conditions.
Further complicating the situation, firefighters had to contend with difficult terrain and limited access to water sources.
Despite these challenges, efforts to contain the fires continued, with resources being mobilized from surrounding areas to support local teams.
Far to the north, in Colusa and Lake Counties, the Ridge Fire prompted evacuation orders for remote homes.
This fire broke out on Saturday and grew to more than 4 square miles (10 square kilometers).
As of Sunday, it was 15 percent contained, but the threat to homes and property remained significant.
Efforts to contain the Ridge Fire involved multiple firefighting teams and aerial support.
The rough terrain and dry conditions in the area further complicated these efforts, making it a challenging battle for the crews on the ground and in the air.
The community response to these wildfires has been one of cooperation and resilience.
Residents in affected areas have been quick to follow evacuation orders, ensuring their safety and aiding in the overall efforts to manage the fires.
Firefighting crews have worked tirelessly, often around the clock, to protect homes and limit the spread of the fires.
Support from surrounding communities and agencies has been crucial.
This collaboration highlights the importance of preparedness and quick response in the face of such natural disasters.
As these fires continue to burn, the focus remains on containment and ensuring the safety of residents and properties.
