Pico

Crews establish lines and mop up near Nuevo with Ramona Expressway closed

The Pico Fire ignited along Ramona Expressway near Pico Avenue in Nuevo, merging from roadside starts and running uphill south of Lake Perris. Air and ground crews encircled the fire with retardant lines and hose lays, checking its forward spread to begin mop-up operations. No homes or communities are currently threatened.

Evacuations and Closures

• Ramona Expressway is closed between Rider Street and Lakeview Drive to accommodate emergency operations (October 6, 2026).
• No evacuation orders or warnings are in effect for surrounding communities (October 6, 2026).

Impact

Smoke from the fire has drifted northeast through the Cajon Pass and into High Desert communities, including Oak Hills and Hesperia. No structural damage or injuries have been reported.

Conditions and Outlook

Warm, dry weather will continue over the coming days with no chance of rain. Winds will shift northwesterly and westerly, bringing breezy afternoon gusts across the hillside. Firefighters plan to remain on the lines to extinguish interior hot spots and reinforce perimeter containment.

Cause and Context

The cause of the fire is officially under investigation as of October 6, 2026, though initial reports indicate sparks from a passing vehicle may have ignited the roadside brush.

Official updates current through October 6, 2026.