MURRIETA — The Volcano Fire broke out around 2:52 p.m. on Tuesday near Via Volcano and Tenaja Road in unincorporated Murrieta. The fire scorched 75 acres and remained 0% contained on Tuesday afternoon, according to CAL FIRE.

More than 125 firefighters responded to the blaze, supported by extensive resources including 19 fire engines, three helicopters, two bulldozers, four hand crews, and numerous air tankers. The cause of the Volcano Fire is under investigation.

Authorities implemented multiple road closures to manage the emergency response and ensure public safety. Tenaja Road was shut down between Avocado Mesa and Avenida La Cresta, and Los Gatos Road was closed at Carancho Road. Officials urged the public to stay out of the area to allow emergency crews to move freely and keep evacuation routes clear.

Evacuation orders were issued for nearby residents, who were directed to Chaparral High School in Temecula. The shelter at the high school is accepting pets, providing a place for evacuees to stay with their animals. Large animals displaced by the fire are being sheltered separately at the Murrieta Equestrian Center.

Murrieta is a city in Riverside County with a population of over 103,000. Dry conditions and dense vegetation in its unincorporated areas have contributed to wildfire risk in recent years. More than 125 personnel and heavy equipment were deployed to the site. Road closures and multi-site animal sheltering are part of emergency protocols designed to protect both human and animal life during such incidents.