Investigators: Beaumont Fire That Scorched 1,000 Acres is Human-Caused

Updated at 8:27 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 30

BEAUMONT, CA - A fire at Bogart Park in Cherry Valley that scorched 1,000 acres Tuesday afternoon and prompted mandatory evacuations was human-caused.

Investigators determined the fire, which is near Winesap Avenue and International Park Road and is rapidly spreading, was started by someone around 12:30 p.m. As of 8:30 p.m., the fire was 10 percent contained.

Mandatory evacuations were lifted late Tuesday for residents on the Banning Bench, as well as for residents at a mobile home park in Cherry Valley. Those evacuated had been directed to go to the Chatigny Senior Center on Oak Valley Parkway.

• RELATED: Amazing Photos Show Power, Growth of Bogart Fire Near Beaumont

More than 400 firefighters were called to the fire, along with five helicopters and nine air tankers.

Buring Ranch is offering to house any livestock that may be evacuated. Those needing the service can call Dominque Buring at 805-915-8544.

Anyone with information witnessing or have knowledge of juvenile activity near the north end of Winesap Avenue near the entrance gate to Bogart Park in Beaumont around 12:30 p.m. Tuesday afternoon is urged to call the Arson Hotline at (800) 633-2836. All calls are anonymous.

--Images by Loretta Karnitz, Shannon Czernek, Renee Schiavone, Kelly Martin and Randee Cowles