Evacuation orders lifted for Bain, Verona fires

Riverside County authorities lifted all evacuation orders and warnings tied to the Bain and Verona fires by Friday, May 23, after firefighters increased containment on both blazes. The Bain Fire burned 1,497 acres near Jurupa Valley and Riverside, while the Verona Fire burned 638 acres near Green Acres and Homeland, according to CAL FIRE. Local officials said residents were allowed to return, though crews remained in both areas for patrol, cleanup and safety checks. The fires began on Tuesday, May 19, during a busy week for Southern California firefighters. ### Where were the two fires burning? The Bain Fire started at 11:24 a.m. on May 19 near Limonite Avenue and Bain Street in Jurupa Valley, according to CAL FIRE. The fire burned in the Santa Ana River bottom between Jurupa Valley and Riverside and prompted evacuation orders and warnings in both jurisdictions as flames pushed toward homes. (abc7.com) The Verona Fire was first reported at 12:20 p.m. on May 19 near Verona Road and Juniper Springs Road in the unincorporated Green Acres and Homeland area, CAL FIRE said. CBS Los Angeles reported the fire burned near Hemet and north of Highway 74, where evacuation zones included nearby rural neighborhoods and a mobile home park warning area. (fire.ca.gov) ### When were evacuation orders lifted? CAL FIRE updated its Verona incident page on May 22 to say all evacuation zones for the Verona Fire had been dropped. By 6:21 p.m. on May 23, the agency said the fire was 87% contained. The City of Riverside said on May 22 that all evacuation orders and warnings tied to the Bain Fire within city limits had been lifted effective immediately. (fire.ca.gov) CBS Los Angeles reported on May 23 that all Bain Fire evacuation orders and warnings had been lifted as containment rose and crews continued to make progress. ### How large did the fires get? (fire.ca.gov) CAL FIRE listed the Bain Fire at 1,497 acres in its May 23 incident update. CBS Los Angeles reported the fire was 89% contained as of Saturday afternoon, after burning for four days in Riverside County. The Verona Fire reached 638 acres, according to CAL FIRE’s May 23 update. CBS Los Angeles said the fire was 648 acres and 87% contained as of Saturday evening; the difference appears to reflect separate update times from local media and CAL FIRE. (riversideca.gov) ### Were there injuries or damage? CBS Los Angeles reported at least five people were injured in the Bain Fire, including four civilians and one firefighter. (fire.ca.gov) The outlet said three civilian injuries were due to smoke inhalation, while another was described as a traumatic injury. CAL FIRE’s Verona incident page said one firefighter was injured and listed one structure damaged and four structures destroyed. (fire.ca.gov) CBS Los Angeles separately reported one civilian injury in the Verona Fire, though firefighters said that person declined medical attention. ### What happens next for residents returning home? The City of Riverside said crews would remain in Bain Fire areas for the next several days to make sure roadways and homes remained safe. (cbsnews.com) Officials also warned residents they could continue to see or smell drift smoke because of lingering fire activity. CAL FIRE said the causes of both fires remain under investigation. (fire.ca.gov) The agency’s incident pages for the Bain and Verona fires continue to carry updates on containment, evacuation status and assigned resources as mop-up and monitoring continue. (fire.ca.gov) (riversideca.gov)