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Highland Fire: Thousands Flee Homes after Wildfire Hits South California
In a devastating turn of events, Southern California finds itself in the throes of a raging wildfire, leaving thousands of residents in a state of emergency. The Highland Fire, as it has been named, erupted in the dry hills of the Aguanga area of Riverside County, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake.
The wildfire, initially reported at 12:37 p.m. PDT, started as a modest 14-acre blaze. However, fueled by relentless Santa Ana winds, it rapidly grew to a staggering 2,200 acres within a mere seven hours.
The Escalating Crisis: Highland Fire
As of early Tuesday morning, the fire remains entirely uncontained, leaving firefighters grappling to gain control. Evacuation orders have been issued for approximately 1,300 homes, affecting an estimated 4,000 residents. The toll on structures is grim — three buildings have been razed, and six others have suffered damage. Thankfully, no injuries have been reported thus far.
Battling the Inferno
Over 300 courageous firefighters have been summoned to combat the ferocious flames. The Santa Ana winds, gusting between 20 to 25 miles per hour, have propelled the fire, carrying embers through the parched grass and brush. This deadly combination of…