A significant brush fire, dubbed the “Howarden Fire,” devastated a south Riverside neighborhood on Sunday, destroying homes and burning more than 500 acres. The blaze, which erupted around 1 p.m. in the Howarden Hills area near Hawarden Drive and Mary Street, saw a temporary halt in its progression by nightfall.
By Monday morning, the Riverside Fire Department reported that the fire’s forward spread had been successfully contained. Over 80 firefighters from Riverside, San Bernardino counties, and surrounding regions worked through the night to secure containment lines and close off gaps.
While the fire caused no injuries, it led to substantial property damage. Riverside Fire Department Deputy Chief Steve McKinster confirmed that at least three homes were destroyed and four others sustained damage. The fire prompted the evacuation of approximately 1,500 properties, including those on Eagle Crest Court, Chartwell Drive, Horace Street, Hawarden Drive, Golden Hills, and areas extending towards Barry Road, Via Vista, Trautwein Road, and Alessandro Boulevard. Evacuation orders were lifted as of Monday morning.
The fire’s cause remains under investigation. Preliminary reports suggest that the blaze may have been sparked by youths playing with fireworks. As of early Monday, the fire had scorched 527 acres.
Firefighting efforts included the deployment of four Cal Fire water-dropping helicopters and three air tankers, which made continuous runs from nearby ponds at the Canyon Crest Golf Club. The aerial firefighting operations, which began just after 2 p.m. on Sunday, lasted nearly five hours.
As of Monday, no firefighting aircraft were seen operating over the burn area. Authorities are expected to provide further updates on containment progress later in the day.