Photo By: Felicia Oblea

By Randi Hauser

At 6:12 p.m. on Sat., Apr. 18, Riverside County firefighters responded to reports of a cooking fire that began at the Prado Dam Flood Control Basin near the 91 and 71 freeway interchange in Chino Hills. The fire quickly spread southeast along the Santa Ana River as the thick vegetation had not burned in decades.

12 fire crews and two water-drop helicopters fought the flames through the night as the fire continued. Rough terrain and thick brush made the battle difficult for crews on the ground.

Mandatory evacuations were ordered for Bluff, Homestead and Stagecoach roads in Norco. Evacuation centers were set up at Riley Gym for residents and Ingalls Park for animals, including horses.

Local businesses stepped into action to support their community in distress. It is reported that McDonald’s in Norco provided hundreds of hamburgers and apple slices to evacuees and firefighters battling the flames.  EZ-Ups provided shade to residents who were temporarily without a home.  Tractor Supply in Norco provided materials needed for the horse evacuation area set up at Ingalls Park.

According to Cal Fire, evacuations were lifted on the morning of Mon., Apr. 20 as the blaze was contained to 35%.

A smoke sensitivity warning remained in order for a few days more as smoke lingered over Norco and Corona and ash continued to fall. The total, approximately 1,050 acres were burned, but no structural damage was reported.