Fire Breaks Out In Hills Behind Hemet High

Over the past many years, a number of fires have burned in the hills surrounding Hemet High School.  The school has never been directly threatened and has often times been used as an evacuation center for the community and firefighters.  This is just another reminder of how careful we must be when we live in California.

STAFF WRITER

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Published: 17 August 2012 09:16 AM

 

The Buck Fire was completely contained Friday morning after the wildfire charred more than 2,600 acres and destroyed four buildings in the Sage area, south of Hemet.

 

Firefighters surrounded the blaze by 6 a.m., two days after its forward progress was stopped and evacuation orders were lifted.

 

Lightning sparked the blaze, which was reported shortly after noon Tuesday and quickly spread into the rural hillsides, dotted with horse ranches and smaller homes. The fire threatened 137 homes, but about half of those homes were vacant or vacation rentals.

 

Firefighters will continue to mop up the area and douse any remaining hot spots that remain. All residents have been allowed to return to their homes and roads are now open.