Verona

Verona Fire Report - May 24, 2026

Fire Start, Size and Growth

Start Date/Time/Location: The Verona Fire ignited at approximately 12:20 p.m. on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, near Verona Road and Juniper Springs Road in the unincorporated Green Acres and Homeland area of Riverside County, California.
Size and Containment: As of the latest updates over the last 72 hours, the fire has burned approximately 638 acres and is 87% contained.
Fuels, Growth and Rate of Spread: Initially reported as a two-acre vegetation fire, it quickly escalated into a wind-driven brush fire burning through medium vegetation. Fanned by gusty winds, the fire exhibited a critical rate of spread, rapidly expanding to 200 acres and eventually over 600 acres as it temporarily jumped control lines early in the incident.
Containment Efforts: Forward progression of the fire has been successfully halted. A massive response of over 500 personnel was assigned to the incident, utilizing 59 engines, 14 water tenders, 10 hand crews, bulldozers, and helicopters. Numerous firefighting air tankers from throughout the state flew fire suppression missions. The incident is under the unified command of the CAL FIRE Riverside Unit and the Riverside County All-Hazards Type 3 Incident Management Team.

Emergency Information

Evacuations and Sheltering:
Mandatory Evacuation Orders: Evacuation orders were issued for residents in the Homeland and Hemet areas, including much of Hemet's Four Seasons subdivision.
Evacuation Warnings: Evacuation warnings were issued for several zones, including HMT-1187-A, HMT-1287, HMT-1288, HMT-1289, HMT-1290, HMT-1291-B, RVC-1185, RVC-1186, RVC-1187-A, RVC-1187-B, RVC-1285, and RVC-1286.
Evacuation Shelters and Information: An evacuation center was established at West Valley High School, located at 3401 Mustang Way, Hemet, CA 92545.

Road and Infrastructure Closures:

• Local roads in the immediate vicinity of Verona Road and Juniper Springs Road, north of Highway 74, have been restricted to public access to allow emergency personnel room to work safely.
• Residents are advised to avoid the area and follow all directives from local law enforcement.

For more information, visit:

• CAL FIRE's Verona Fire Incident Page
• City of Hemet Official Updates
• Riverside County Emergency Management Department

Current Impact

Impacts:
Injuries and Fatalities: One firefighter and one civilian sustained minor injuries. The firefighter was transported to a local hospital for treatment, while the civilian declined further medical care. No fatalities have been reported.
Structures Impacted: The fire threatened multiple residential structures in the Homeland and Hemet areas, prompting aggressive structure protection by fire engines. Fortunately, no structures have been reported as damaged or destroyed.
School and Business Closures: There have been no widespread school closures reported, though West Valley High School is being utilized as an evacuation shelter.
Notable Impacts: Early in the firefighting efforts, suppression aircraft had to be temporarily grounded due to civilian drones flying in the fire zone. Officials stressed that drone incursions pose a severe risk to aviation operations and can drastically alter the course of a fire by delaying aerial retardant drops.

Safety Concerns:
Power Outages: No major Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) or fire-related power outages have been reported in connection with this incident.
Water Safety: No specific water safety concerns or boil water advisories have been issued.
Burn Bans: Standard fire restrictions and local burn bans are in effect for Riverside County due to the elevated fire danger.
Air Quality: The South Coast Air Quality Management District warned that smoke from the fire could push air quality in parts of Riverside County into the "Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups" category. Residents near smoke impacts are advised to stay indoors with windows and doors closed, avoid strenuous outdoor activity, and use air conditioning or air purifiers if possible.

Ongoing Outlook

Containment Projections: With containment reaching 87% over the weekend, firefighters have made excellent progress. Crews will remain on the scene to patrol the perimeter, mop up remaining hot spots, and reinforce control lines. Full containment is anticipated in the coming days as fire activity remains minimal.
Weather and Wind Warnings: National Weather Service Red Flag conditions—characterized by warm temperatures, very low humidity, and stronger winds—were present during the fire's initial explosive growth. Currently, weather in Riverside County is sunny with temperatures in the 70s and 80s, and humidity hovering around 25-30%. Weakening winds have significantly aided firefighters in getting a handle on the incident.

Cause and the Role of Weather and Climate

Cause: The official cause of the Verona Fire remains under investigation by CAL FIRE.
Weather and Climate: The fire was heavily influenced by extreme fire weather conditions typical of Southern California's climate. Gusty winds, warm temperatures, and low relative humidity allowed the fire to quickly ignite and spread through dry, medium vegetation. These dry fuels and wind-driven conditions were the primary drivers of the critical rate of spread observed during the first 48 hours of the incident.

For more information, visit:

• CAL FIRE's Verona Fire Incident Page
• Riverside County Emergency Management Department
• South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD)