Pyrite Fire Forces Evacuations in Jurupa Valley

Lead: A rapidly spreading brush fire erupted Friday evening near Pyrite Street and Granite Hill Drive in Jurupa Valley, prompting evacuation warnings and scorching nearly 150 acres by nightfall.

Nut Graf: Dubbed the “Pyrite Fire,” the blaze ignited amid hot, dry conditions that stoked “light flashy fuels,” threatening adjacent neighborhoods and underscoring persistent wildfire risks in the Inland Empire.

Evacuations and Response

• Cal Fire issued evacuation warnings for residents in Jurupa Hills and Sunnyslope beginning around 6:30 p.m., with crews on the ground and air tankers battling flames.
• Riverside County Sheriff’s deputies assisted with door-to-door notifications and traffic control along State Route 60.
• Local shelters opened at Rubidoux High School and Jurupa Valley Community Center for displaced families.

Fire Growth and Conditions

• First reported at 5:19 p.m., the fire was initially estimated at 15 acres before gusty winds fueled its rapid expansion.
• By 7:19 p.m., Cal Fire estimated the Pyrite Fire at approximately 150 acres.
• Smoke plumes were visible from Redlands and Fontana, leading to air quality alerts in neighboring communities.

Investigation and Impact

• Fire officials continue probing the origin of the blaze; no cause has been determined.
• No structural losses or fatalities have been reported, though several outbuildings were threatened.
• Jurupa Valley water and power services remained uninterrupted, but emergency crews warned of potential utility impacts if containment stalls.

Next Steps

Cal Fire plans to increase containment lines overnight and expects cooler temperatures and higher humidity Saturday to aid firefighting efforts. Residents in remaining warning zones should monitor local alerts and prepare for possible mandatory evacuations.