Van Buren Incident
Incident Name: Van Buren Incident
Date Reported: 11/27/2023
Time Reported: 1515 Hours
Incident Location: Van Buren X Santa Ana Riverside, Riverside, CA 92505
Ward #: Ward 3 Fierro
Type of Incident: Vegetation Fire
Incident Number: RIV #23-040416
Control Time: 1600 Hours
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Resources Assigned
Chief Officer(s): 1
Engine Companies: 4
Truck Companies:
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Firefighter(s): 16
Safety Officer(s):
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Current Situation
The City of Riverside Fire Department responded a 1st alarm vegetation fire assignment to the Santa Ana River Bottom located behind the Water Treatment Plant adjacent to the bike trail. Firefighters arrived on scene to find a large homeless camp on fire in an area of 50’ X 50’ burning in light to heavy fuels with several transients in the area. Firefighters were hampered in making access due to a chain link fence, rock jetty and crossing the outflow from the water treatment plant. A total of 16 firefighters and one chief officer responded to the incident.
There were no firefighter injuries or civilian injuries. The cause of the fire was undetermined after investigation, but the probable cause was human related.
Assisting Aid Agencies
Incident Commander: Battalion Chief Bruce Vanderhorst
Prepared By: Battalion Chief Bruce Vanderhorst
Date / Time Posted: 11/27/2023 1935
Information Center: 951.826.5321