Bain Fire

Fire Start, Size and Growth

Start Date/Time/Location: The Bain Fire ignited at approximately 11:24 a.m. on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, in the Santa Ana Riverbed near Bain Street and Limonite Avenue in the Mira Loma neighborhood of Jurupa Valley, Riverside County.
Size and Containment: As of Thursday afternoon, May 21, 2026, the fire has burned 1,497.1 acres and is 39% contained.
Fuels, Growth and Rate of Spread: Initially reported as a 10 to 20-acre fire burning in heavy fuels with a moderate rate of spread, the fire was fanned by gusty winds and quickly pushed up nearby hillsides, rapidly expanding to over 1,300 acres by Tuesday evening. Forward spread on the northern, southern, and most of the western portions has been successfully halted, though the eastern flank initially showed the most activity and potential for growth.
Containment Efforts: A robust response is underway with approximately 270 personnel assigned to the incident. Resources include 35 engines, two water tenders, two helicopters, three dozers, and five hand crews. The unified command is led by the CAL FIRE Riverside Unit, with assistance from the San Bernardino, San Diego, Ontario, and Riverside Fire departments. Air tankers from throughout the state have been flying fire suppression missions, dropping water and retardant to build and strengthen containment lines.

Emergency Information

Evacuations and Sheltering:
Mandatory Evacuation Orders: Lawful orders to leave immediately are in effect for several zones, including JUR-0180-A, JUR-0180-B, JUR-0181-A, JUR-0181-C, and RIV-0182.
Evacuation Warnings: Warnings are in place for residents who should be prepared to leave at a moment's notice, including zones JUR-0094-B, JUR-0095-B, JUR-0097-B, JUR-0098-B, JUR-0176-A, JUR-0179-A, JUR-0179-B, JUR-0179-C, JUR-0181-B, JUR-0181-D, JUR-0183, JUR-0184, JUR-0185-A, JUR-0185-B, NOR-0305-B, RIV-0186-A, RIV-0186-B, RIV-0306-A, RIV-0306-B, RIV-0307-A, RIV-0307-B, RIV-0309, RIV-0310, RIV-0312, and RIV-0313.
Evacuation Shelters and Information: Care and reception centers have been established to assist evacuees with temporary shelter, food, water, and reunification. Locations include:

• Skyview Event Center (5257 Wineville Ave. / 5257 Event Center, Jurupa Valley, CA 91751)
• La Sierra Senior Center (5215 La Sierra Ave., Riverside)
• Jurupa Community Center (4810 Pedley Road)

Road and Infrastructure Closures:

• Van Buren Boulevard has been reopened to one lane in each direction, but motorists are urged to use extreme caution.
• Baker Street: Closed from 64th Street to Kennedy Street.
• Archer Street: Closed from 64th Street to Kennedy Street.
• 65th Street: Closed from Corey Street to Kelsey Place.
• Cory Street/Kennedy Street: Closed from 64th Street to Kelsey Place.

For more information, visit:

• CAL FIRE's Bain Fire Incident Page
• Genasys Protect Evacuation Map
• City of Jurupa Valley Alerts

Current Impact

Injuries and Fatalities: CAL FIRE reports that at least five people have been injured, including four civilians and one firefighter. Three of the civilian injuries were due to smoke inhalation, and one was an unspecified traumatic injury. All four civilians were transported to a local hospital for treatment.
Structures Impacted: Fire officials have confirmed that some structures have burned, though it remains unconfirmed whether these were primary residences or outbuildings. Firefighters have been actively working to knock down hot spots in destroyed backyards and protect threatened homes.
Notable Impacts and Safety Concerns:

• Drone Interference: On Tuesday afternoon, firefighting aircraft were briefly grounded after three civilian drones were spotted flying in the airspace. Flying drones in a fire zone is illegal and poses a severe collision risk to firefighting planes, significantly hindering suppression efforts.
• Air Quality: The South Coast Air Quality Management District has issued an air quality alert due to heavy particle pollution from the wildfire smoke spreading across Southern California. Residents are advised to limit outdoor activities.

Ongoing Outlook

Containment Projections: The fire is currently 39% contained. Firefighters will continue working tirelessly through the day and night to conduct mop-up operations, execute fire suppression repairs, and secure the remaining 61% of the uncontrolled perimeter.
Weather and Wind Warnings: High temperatures and gusty winds remain a concern for the area. Temperatures in Riverside County are reaching up to 90°F with extremely low daytime humidity dropping to around 7-10%. These conditions, combined with afternoon wind expectations, require crews to remain vigilant against potential flare-ups and spot fires.

Cause and the Role of Weather and Climate

Cause: The official cause of the Bain Fire remains under investigation by authorities.
Weather and Climate: The rapid spread of the fire was heavily influenced by dry and warm conditions typical of Southern California's climate. Gusty winds on Tuesday fanned the flames, pushing the fire aggressively through heavy fuels in the riverbed and up nearby hillsides. Ongoing low humidity and high temperatures continue to create an environment where fuels are highly receptive to ignition, complicating containment efforts.

For more information, visit:

• CAL FIRE Official Website
• Riverside County Fire Department
• South Coast Air Quality Management District