Lake Elsinore, CA – A brush fire, dubbed the “Macy Fire,” erupted Thursday evening, scorching 63 acres within an hour and threatening homes near the Cleveland National Forest. The Riverside County Fire Department reported the blaze at 5:42 p.m. in the vicinity of the El Cariso Campground, north of the Ortega (74) Highway, just west of Macy Street on the west end of Lake Elsinore.
Multiple engine and hand crews from Riverside County, the U.S. Forest Service, the Orange County Fire Authority, and other agencies responded swiftly to the scene. They encountered flames moving downhill at a “dangerous rate of spread,” directly threatening residences adjacent to the federal preserve.
Cal Fire deployed five air tankers and three water-dropping helicopters, which immediately initiated aerial drops to protect homes in the fire’s path. By 6:50 p.m., the flames had jumped the highway, burning on both sides near a turnout known as the “Candy Store.”
Authorities issued a mandatory evacuation order for all properties south of Grand Avenue, east of Fairview Street, and west of the Ortega Highway. A temporary command center was set up at Lakeside High School, located at 32593 Riverside Drive. However, as of 7 p.m., no temporary evacuation facility had been designated for residents. City officials were coordinating with the fire department to establish a location.
California Highway Patrol officers and county sheriff’s deputies fully shut down the Ortega Highway in both directions between San Juan Capistrano and Lake Elsinore, redirecting motorists for safety. Grand Avenue in Lake Elsinore was also closed between Macy and the highway due to traffic congestion.
As night approached, sundowner winds in the area were expected to abate, providing crews an opportunity to begin digging containment lines. A night-flying helicopter was called in to make water drops in support of ground crews, while day-restricted air tankers and helicopters prepared to clear the scene.
There has been no immediate word on the cause of the blaze. Further updates are expected as firefighting efforts continue.