Fire in Riverside Intensifies Due to Strong Winds; One Firefighter Hurt
Strong Winds Fuel Fire in Riverside Pallet Yard
RIVERSIDE, Calif. – A significant fire erupted at a pallet yard in Riverside on Monday afternoon, rapidly spreading across the business property and into nearby areas due to strong winds.
The blaze broke out around 3 p.m. at a facility located near Main Street and Garner Road. When firefighters arrived, they found the fire intensifying, moving swiftly through the property. Riverside Fire Captain Paul Seawright reported that the flames were particularly aggressive, with "direct flame impingement on adjacent pallets" in a storage facility, which then ignited additional materials.
As the winds directed the fire’s spread, it ignited propane tanks and vehicles, compelling nearby businesses to evacuate. One witness described the scene, saying, "It was like a big inferno. I was coming out of work."
Captain Seawright noted the challenging conditions for firefighters, citing "the prevailing winds" and "the high heat" as significant obstacles. Fortunately, crews managed to contain the fire by the afternoon, although some firefighters continued to address hot spots well into the evening.
One firefighter sustained injuries during the incident, and authorities are still investigating the cause of the fire. Seawright emphasized the importance of collaboration, stating, "We wouldn’t be able to make the suppression efforts without our partnering agencies," which provided essential resources in the firefighting efforts.
