River Bottom Incident
Incident Name: River Bottom Incident
Date Reported: 8/8/2023
Time Reported: 1921 Hours
Incident Location: Van Buren X Jurupa, Riverside, CA 92505
Ward #: Ward 7 Hemenway
Type of Incident: Vegetation Fire
Incident Number: RIV #23-026714
Control Time:
Fatalities:
Critical:
Moderate:
Minor:
Non Injury:
Displaced Persons:
Loss:
Save:
Cause:
Evacuations:
Evacuation Comments:
Resources Assigned
Chief Officer(s): 1
Engine Companies: 5
Truck Companies:
Squad(s):
Ambulance(s):
Firefighter(s): 20
Safety Officer(s):
Public Information Officer(s):
Fire Investigator(s):
Overhead Personnel:
Mutual Aid:
Specialized Equipment:
EOC:
Utilities:
Red Cross:
Percent (%) Contained or Completed: 100%
Total (%) of Perimeter that will be Contained: 100%
Incident Size Acreage: 1/2 Acre
Current Situation
Final Update
On August 8th, 2023, at 7:17 P.M., the City of Riverside Fire Department received a dispatch for a smoke investigation near the vicinity of Van Buren and the bridge. The initial responding unit observed a substantial column of smoke and consequently requested a complete vegetation response. Upon their arrival, they discovered a fire burning in heavy fuels covering an area of approximately half an acre, with limited access options. Firefighters employed hose lays that were extended over the side of the Van Buren bridge to reach and effectively extinguish the fire. The cause of the fire could not be determined; however, the burn area was noted to contain multiple homeless encampments. Notably, no injuries were reported among firefighters or civilians.
The City of Riverside Fire Department is currently on scene of a vegetation fire at the Van Buren Bridge in the Santa Ana River Bottom. The fire is currently one acre in size with the forward progress stopped. Commitment time is approximately two hours. Four engines, one brush truck, one water tender and one battalion chief are currently assigned.
Assisting Aid Agencies
Incident Commander: Battalion Chief Brian Guzzetta
Prepared By: Battalion Chief Bruce Vanderhorst
Date / Time Posted: 8/8/2023 2021 Hours
Information Center: 951.826.5321
