Home / Disasters and Accidents / 23-Acre Blaze Shuts Down Highway 243 Near Banning
23-Acre Blaze Shuts Down Highway 243 Near Banning
1 Sep
Summary
- Vehicle collision sparked the 23-acre Panorama Fire on Monday.
- Highway 243 remains closed in both directions near Banning.
- Firefighters report 0% containment shortly after 1 p.m.
A wildfire, dubbed the Panorama Fire, ignited on Monday, August 31, near Banning, California, following a vehicle collision on Highway 243. The fire quickly spread, reaching 23 acres within its initial hour and was reported to be burning at a critical rate of spread.
Cal Fire's Riverside Unit reported the fire at approximately noon, with containment at 0% shortly after 1 p.m. The California Highway Patrol confirmed the blaze originated from a vehicle going over the side of Highway 243. Resources, including 106 personnel, 13 engines, and numerous air tankers, were deployed to combat the flames.
In response to the wildfire, Highway 243 was closed in both directions between Banning and Twin Pines. The duration of the closure was unknown, and motorists were advised to seek alternative routes. No evacuation orders or warnings had been issued as of the latest reports, but residents were encouraged to monitor emergency alerts.
