'Nixon Fire' in Riverside County spans 2,700 acres, triggers evacuation orders

A fast moving, wind-driven wildfire in Riverside County that has charred thousands of acres and reportedly burned at least one structure prompted evacuation orders Monday afternoon.  

The “Nixon Fire” was first reported in the area of Tule Valley Road and Richard Nixon Boulevard in Aguanga just before 12:30 p.m. 

The five-acre brush fire, according to officials with the Riverside County Fire Department, was burning at a “moderate to rapid rate of spread,” prompting requests for additional resources.  

By 2:45 p.m., the blaze had grown to nearly 300 acres and was moving east, officials reported.  

A little more than four hours later, at 7 p.m., fire officials said the wildfire had grown to 2,700 acres with 0% containment.  

Mandatory evacuation orders were in place for residents: 

• North of Cooper Cienega Trail 

• South of Bailey Road 

• East of Holly Ann 

• West of Terwilliger Road 

Evacuation warnings were in place for residents: 

• North of San Diego/Riverside County line 

• South of Heller Springs Road 

• East of Terwilliger Road 

• West of Table Mountain Truck Trail 

A temporary evacuation center was set up at Temecula Valley High School, located at 31555 Rancho Vista Road, Temecula. Officials said that animal services would be at the location to assist residents with animals.  

A searchable map of the evacuation orders and warnings can be found by following this link.  

As of the last update, some 255 firefighting personnel were assigned to the blaze, with two water-dropping helicopters, 44 engines, four bulldozers, three water tenders and eight hand crews.  

This is a developing story. Stay with KTLA for additional updates.