La Cadena Incident
Incident Name: La Cadena Incident
Date Reported: 01/13/2025
Time Reported: 0916 Hours
Incident Location: 1926 Spruce Street, Riverside, CA 92501
Ward #: Ward 2 Cervantes
Type of Incident: Commercial Fire
Incident Number: RIV #25-001686
Control Time: 1034 Hours
Fatalities:
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Moderate:
Minor:
Non Injury:
Displaced Persons:
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Cause:
Evacuations:
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Resources Assigned
Chief Officer(s): 3
Engine Companies: 9
Truck Companies: 2
Squad(s):
Ambulance(s):
Firefighter(s): 50
Safety Officer(s): 3
Public Information Officer(s):
Fire Investigator(s): 3
Overhead Personnel: 3
Mutual Aid:
Specialized Equipment:
EOC:
Utilities:
Red Cross:
Percent (%) Contained or Completed:
Total (%) of Perimeter that will be Contained:
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Current Situation
On Monday, January 13, 2025, at 9:16 a.m., the City of Riverside Fire Department responded to a vegetation fire near Spruce Street and La Cadena, under the 215 Freeway overpass, following multiple reports from the public. Due to the proximity of the Allied Salvage Yard at 1926 Spruce Street, a Truck Company was added to the response. Upon arrival, the first engine company reported a vegetation fire spreading into the salvage yard, igniting several vehicles. The fire was driven by strong Santa Ana winds.
The response was quickly escalated to a three-alarm incident. Riverside Police Department (RPD) assisted by closing Spruce Street between La Cadena and Chicago Avenue, while the California Highway Patrol (CHP) closed two lanes of the southbound 215 Freeway and eastbound 60 Freeway from the Downtown Interchange to Blaine Street. Firefighters successfully contained the fire to the salvage yard and the adjacent freeway area.
The Fire Department's Arson Investigators and Prevention Officer responded to the scene. The investigation revealed that the fire originated from a homeless encampment along the Cal-Trans right of way, ignited by an encampment fire.
The fire involved approximately 30 vehicles within the salvage yard. There were no injuries to civilians or firefighters. A total of 11 fire apparatus, 50 firefighters, and 6 overhead personnel were assigned to the incident.
Assisting Aid Agencies
Incident Commander: Battalion Chief Bruce Vanderhorst
Prepared By: Battalion Chief Bruce Vanderhorst
Date / Time Posted: 01/13/2025 1810 Hours
Information Center: 951.826.5321
