Scout Incident
Incident Name: Scout Incident
Date Reported: 01/14/2025
Time Reported: 1203 Hours
Incident Location: 4785 Scout Lane, Riverside, CA 92501
Ward #: Ward 1 Falcone
Type of Incident: Vegetation Fire
Incident Number: RIV #25-001862
Control Time: 01/14/2025 at 1700 Hours
Fatalities:
Critical:
Moderate:
Minor:
Non Injury:
Displaced Persons:
Loss:
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Cause:
Evacuations: Mt. Rubidoux Mountain
Evacuation Comments: Closed mountain to all recreation.
Resources Assigned
Chief Officer(s): 4
Engine Companies: 14
Truck Companies:
Squad(s):
Ambulance(s):
Firefighter(s): 83
Safety Officer(s):
Public Information Officer(s): 1
Fire Investigator(s): 2
Overhead Personnel: 5
Mutual Aid:
Specialized Equipment:
EOC: Notified
Utilities:
Red Cross:
Percent (%) Contained or Completed: 100%
Total (%) of Perimeter that will be Contained: 100%
Incident Size Acreage: 2.6 Acres
Current Situation
On Tuesday, January 14, 2025, at approximately XXXX, the City of Riverside Fire Department responded to a high-priority Wildland brush fire assignment near the Mission Inn Bridge and Santa Ana River, adjacent to Mt. Rubidoux. Upon arrival, firefighters discovered a wind-driven vegetation fire spanning approximately 50’x50’, burning in light to heavy fuels. Given the threat, a Second and Third Alarm were immediately requested.
The fire posed a significant risk to Mission Inn Avenue and Mt. Rubidoux. In response, Riverside Police Department (RPD) closed Mission Inn Avenue in both directions, from Crestmore to Redwood Drive, for public safety. Additionally, Cal-Fire, due to the mutual threat, deployed resources to assist with the fire. RPD’s Air One Helicopter was also requested and provided water drops on the fire.
To protect the public, Mt. Rubidoux was closed, and RPD assisted with securing the area. Cal-Fire resources, along with two hand crews, supported firefighting efforts. The City of Riverside Streets and Parks Department were called upon to mitigate a hazardous tree located within the burn area.
The City of Riverside Fire Department’s arson investigator conducted an inquiry and determined the fire was deliberately set, originating near a homeless encampment.
A total of 50 firefighters, six overhead personnel, and three chief officers responded to the incident. Fortunately, there were no injuries to firefighters or civilians, and no buildings were damaged in the nearby neighborhoods. The final size of the fire was 2.6 acres.
Assisting Aid Agencies
Incident Commander: Battalion Chief Bruce Vanderhorst
Prepared By: Battalion Chief Bruce Vanderhorst
Date / Time Posted: 01/14/2025 1733 Hours
Information Center: 951.826.5321
