Incident Name: Chemawa Incident
Date Reported: 12/12/2025Time Reported: 1528 hours
Incident Location: 8800 Block of Magnolia
Ward #: Ward 5 Mill
Type of Incident: Hazardous Material Incident
Incident Number: RIV 25-0044449
Control Time: 1745 hours
Fatalities:
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Moderate:
Minor:
Non Injury:
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Evacuations:
Evacuation Comments: Students/faculty sheltered in place
Resources Assigned
Chief Officer(s): 1
Engine Companies: 1
Truck Companies: 1
Squad(s): 1
Ambulance(s):
Firefighter(s): 10
Safety Officer(s):
Public Information Officer(s):
Fire Investigator(s):
Overhead Personnel:
Mutual Aid:
Specialized Equipment:
EOC:
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Red Cross:
Percent (%) Contained or Completed:
Total (%) of Perimeter that will be Contained:
Incident Size Acreage:
Current Situation
The City of Riverside Fire Department responded to a box alarm at Chemawa Middle School. The first arriving company officer completed an investigation finding a 5-gallon container with an unknown material and gaseous substance. The initial actions of the crew including isolating the area, sheltering in place approximately 150 students and faculty, and then requesting a Hazardous Materials Team response. The Chemawa Incident was established, and other Riverside County and State hazardous materials agencies were notified. Entry was made into the secured area several times to ensure material identification, monitoring, and mitigation. Chief Richmond was in command. There were no reported civilian or firefighter injuries.
Assisting Aid Agencies
Incident Commander: Battalion Chief Scott Richmond
Prepared By: Battalion Chief Scott Richmond
Date / Time Posted: 12/11/2025 2315 hours
Information Center: 951.826.5321