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Murrieta ‘Baxter Fire’ map, updates: Blaze near Menifee grows to 59 acres, evacuation orders lifted
A brush fire erupted near Murrieta, California, on Thursday. The blaze broke out around 3:45 pm and quickly grew from 10 acres to nearly 59.5 acres by 5:30 pm.
UPDATE: A brush fire that ignited near Clinton Keith Road and Whitewood Road in Murrieta on Thursday was 30% contained as of 6 p.m., according to Patch. The fire broke out shortly after 3:45 p.m. and quickly grew from 10 acres to nearly 59.5 acres by 5:30 p.m., prompting evacuation orders. However, all evacuation orders were lifted by 6:15 p.m., according to Cal Fire/Riverside County Fire Department.
ORIGINAL STORY: A brush fire, named Baxter Fire, erupted near Avenue Manana in Murrieta, a city in southwestern Riverside County, California, on Thursday. Map shows the blaze is burning close to Loma Linda University Health.
“VEGETATION FIRE - RPT @ 3:25PM. 35200 block Avenida Manana in Menifee. Firefighters on-scene of 20 acres burning at a moderate rate of spread in light flashy fuels. Additional ground and air resources en-route,” CAL FIRE/Riverside County Fire Department reported.
Murrieta Fire & Rescue wrote, “Fire is on the scene of a brush fire in the area of Clinton Keith / Whitewood Rd. Please avoid the area at this time.”
As of now, the fire is moving at a moderate rate of spread. The flames are burning in brush-covered hills to the east of Vista Murrieta High School, with residential neighborhoods located to the west.
No injuries have been reported, and no evacuations have been announced.
A local resident noted that the fire appeared close to Loma Linda University Health, writing on Facebook: “FYI, a fire started close to Loma Linda hospital in Murriet. Traffic is kind of bad right now because of fire engines and stuff rushing to get to it.  I hope they’re able to get it out so it doesn’t reach the hospital. Or surrounding houses or building.”
