Fairview Fire in Hemet doubles in size overnight

The Fairview Fire in Hemet doubled in size overnight Wednesday night and has covered over 27,000 acres, authorities said Friday.

Evacuation orders continue to expand. For details on the fire and evacuation area, see the Twitter page for Cal Fire /Riverside County Fire Department. Highway 74 (Florida Avenue) is closed between Borco Street and Moutain Center.

Nearly 2,500 structures are threatened, according to Cal Fire officials, with concern about possible high winds coming to the area on Friday. Heavy rains are also expected, which could provide relief for firefighters.

In addition to what was expected to be the final day of the current heat wave, Menifee experienced falling ash and poor air quality from smoke today. Schools are keeping students indoors for activities and many youth leagues have canceled activities for the weekend.

Candace Reines, deputy superintendent of the Perris Union School District, issued the following statement in response to a media inquiry about the status of Friday night's Menifee Bowl football game between Heritage and Paloma Valley high schools.

"As of this moment, the Menifee Bowl will proceed as planned. However, we are diligently monitoring the current and forecasted air quality, as well as weather conditions in general, and will let you (and everyone) know if we need to postpone the Menifee Bowl."

Valley-Wide Recreation & Parks Districts has closed its facilities and postponed programs in Hemet and San Jacinto until further notice because of the Fairview Fire. Valley-Wide parks and facilities in Winchester, Menifee and Murrieta remain open, but conditions are being monitored.

Photo courtesy of Cal Fire