Fairview Fire Kills 2, Burns 2,000 Acres In California; Nearly 1,500 Homes Evacuated

A massive wildfire, dubbed the Fairview Fire, has destroyed 2,000 acres of land in California.

The fire broke out Monday afternoon and spread across California's Fairview Ave and Bautista Canyon Road near Hemet, according to Cal Fire.

Two people died and several houses were wiped out by the fast-moving brush fire. Cal Fire's Riverside Unit deployed crews, helicopter, air tankers and other resources to quell the fire, which is 5% contained.

The two people who lost their lives were from the same family. The tragedy occurred after the car in which they were trying to escape caught on fire. Another member of the family, a woman, sustained serious burn injuries and was airlifted to a hospital.

Firefighters from as far as Corona, which is 401 miles away, were called to the scene to help with containment efforts as the fire moved east toward State Street and Gibbel Road leading to Avery Canyon, Valley News reported.

Special teams from Keenwild, Cranston and Bautista Canyon tried to contain the blaze that moved southeast toward McSweeney Ranch and Cactus Valley Road.

Mandatory evacuations were ordered for dozens of residents south of Stetson Avenue, north of Cactus Valley Road, west of Fairview Avenue and east of State Street. Seven buildings were completely destroyed and many others sustained damage in the areas due to the raging flames.

Cal Fire Captain Richard Cordova said 1,500 homes were affected by the evacuation order. Officers from Riverside County Sheriff's Department went door to door to make sure people got out safely. Tahquitz High School in Hemet, which is serving as an evacuation center, was allowing people to bring their small pets along.

Another brush fire burned 200 acres in San Bernardino National Forest near Big Bear Lake. It remained 0% contained. Four helicopters and four tankers were employed as firefighters tackled the flames from both the air, as well as the ground. Evacuations were ordered by the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department from Glass Road to South Fork River Road.