Evacuation Orders Downgraded In Almond Fire Near Cabazon

CABAZON, CA — Two fires broke out south of Interstate 10 near Cabazon Wednesday afternoon, forcing evacuations and destroying structures.

Dubbed the Almond Fire incident, the first blaze ate its way through 80 acres and was 75 percent contained as of 4:15 p.m., according to Cal Fire reports. The second fire was 15 acres and had reached 10 percent containment.

Cal Fire confirmed four buildings were demolished in the fire that burned fast through flashy fuels.

As of 6 p.m., evacuation orders were downgraded to warnings. See the latest update on evacuations via this Cal Fire interactive map.

The extended evacuation was due to affected power lines in the area, creating a concern for public safety, according to Cal Fire.

An evacuation shelter was established at Nicolet Middle School, 101 East Nicolet Street, in Banning.

Road closures remained in place at 6 p.m. Elm Street between Bonita Avenue and Esther/Margaret Avenue and Esperanza between Eucalyptus and Sunrise were shut down.

The blaze began shortly before noon near Bonita Avenue and Poplar Street, Cal Fire reported. The cause of the fires is under investigation.