Calimesa Fire Devastates Community: 74 Structures, 800 Acres Lost

FRIDAY UPDATE HERE: Sandalwood Fire: 1 Dead In Destructive Wind-Driven Calimesa Fire

CALIMESA, CA — A fast-spreading fire in Calimesa burned dozens of structures, spread to 800 acres and caused the evacuation of Mesa View Middle School on Thursday. By Friday morning, the devastating blaze continued to burn and was just 10 percent contained.

The fire was sparked after a trash truck dropped a smoldering load near Interstate 10 and Sandalwood just before 2 p.m., Patch has confirmed.

Dozens of structures inside Villa Calimesa Mobile Home Park burned in the Sandalwood Fire, Patch confirmed at the scene. The fire was jumping from home to home as crews worked to protect nearby structures.

Though the number may change, as of 8 p.m. Thursday fire officials said 74 structures were destroyed. Another five had moderate damage and 11 had minor damage.

The fire is also blamed for "numerous medical emergencies," Cal Fire said. It is also a threat to the power grid, Cal Fire said.

Mandatory evacuations were ordered for the area south of 7th Street, east of County Line Road. Most of the students at nearby Mesa View Middle School had already been dismissed once the fire broke out, and the remaining students were safely evacuated to Calimesa Elementary School, district Supt. Cali Binks told Patch.

One student who suffered from breathing issues was taken to the hospital as a precaution, Binks said.

Road closures have been placed at the intersections of 7th Street at Sandalwood Drive, and 7th Street at County Line Road.

A care and reception center was opened at the Calimesa Senior Center, 908 Park Ave. in Calimesa. But it closed at 7:30 p.m. and was moved to the Mesa Grande Academy at 975 Fremont Street in Calimesa.

"Transportation will be provided from the senior center to the new shelter by the City of Calimesa," a Tweet from Cal Fire indicated.

Animals in the evacuation area can be taken to the San Jacinto Valley Animal Campus, 581 S. Grand Ave. in San Jacinto. Anyone unable to get to their pets can call 951-358-7387, Cal Fire said.

Red flag warnings were issued earlier this week for much of the surrounding area, amid strong winds and dry weather that raised local fire danger. Hundreds of thousands across California have had their power shut off as a precaution.

This is a breaking news story. Refresh for the latest.

Sheriff’s Air Rescue 307 launched for a fire in the Yucaipa/Calimesa area. Multiple structures burning. Fire now at 500 acres VF personnel on scene assisting with logistics and evacuations. #sandalwoodfire pic.twitter.com/aTRrpzjCpN
— Lt. James Mahan (@SBCSDLtMahan) October 10, 2019