Home / Disasters and Accidents / Bluff Fire Threatens Structures Near Bell Mountain
Bluff Fire Threatens Structures Near Bell Mountain
10 Jul
Summary
- Bluff Fire rapidly expanded to 30 acres near Menifee's Bell Mountain.
- Localized evacuations were in effect for residents near Highland Court.
- The fire's cause remained under investigation as crews made good progress.
A vegetation fire, dubbed the Bluff Fire, erupted on Thursday, July 9, in Menifee, quickly escalating to 30 acres. Burning through light brush near Bell Mountain in the Paloma Valley area, the fire posed a risk to at least one nearby structure, prompting localized evacuations.
The fire was first reported around 3:46 p.m. near Pacific Bluff Street and Brentworth Street. Cal Fire's Riverside County Unit indicated a moderate rate of spread, leading to requests for additional air resources and engines. By 4:43 p.m., good progress was reported by crews, with fire activity moderating.
Evacuation orders were issued for residents in the vicinity of Highland Court and near Bell Mountain. Residents could monitor emergency alerts via the Genasys Protect app. The Bluff Fire's origin was under investigation, with 50 personnel, multiple engines, a helicopter, and other resources assigned to combat the blaze, supported by several local agencies.
This incident marked the second wildfire to emerge in Riverside County on Thursday, following the Domenigoni Fire near Diamond Valley Lake in Hemet. The Domenigoni Fire had burned 62 acres and was not yet contained, while the Volcano Fire near Murrieta had burned 144 acres and was 60% contained, with one evacuation order still in place.
