Riverside Fire: New Wildfire Forces Evacuations Near California’s Mount Rubidoux

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A wildfire broke out in downtown Riverside, California, Thursday afternoon, prompting mandatory evacuations in the area. The fire had so far consumed about 30 to 35 acres near Mount Rubidoux, a park and hiking hot spot, according to California's Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.

The fire began near Mission Inn Avenue and Redwood Drive, according to the Riverside Fire Department. The flames moved quickly thanks to high winds in the area, KFSN-TV reported. Winds were gusting at up to 40 mph.

"It is going to be very dangerous with possible spot fires and embers getting pushed by these winds," Riverside Fire Department Capt. Tyler Reynolds told KNBC-TV.

Mandatory evacuations were in place for those living on Indian Hill, Glenwood, Loring, Miramonte and Mt. Rubidoux Drive. An evacuation center was set up for residents at the Dale Senior Center on Chestnut Street.

It remained unclear whether any homes in the area were destroyed by the fire, though many were threatened. At least one, on Redwood, was damaged by the flames, NBC News reported. Firefighters were deployed to fight the blaze on both land and in the air.

It remained unclear how the fire began.