Mandatory evacuations lifted for 3,800 acre Palmer Fire; 50% contained

(FOX 11/CNS) - A large, fast-moving brush fire that started west of Calimesa and triggered mandatory evacuations in neighboring Redlands had burned 3,800 acres and was 50 percent contained as of Monday, authorities said.

Hundreds of firefighters assisted by water-dropping helicopters and bulldozers were working on the blaze near San Timoteo Canyon Road and Fishernan's Retreat.

When the fire was reported at 1:33 p.m. Saturday, it had charred about 50 acres and was burning at a moderate rate, according to Jody Hagemann of the Riverside County Fire Department.

Shortly before 5 p.m., it was reported the fire had blackened about 750 acres and was zero percent contained, Hagemann said.

Residents living on Live Oak Canyon Road between San Timoteo Canyon Road and Interstate 10 in Redlands were ordered to evacuate at 3:30 p.m.

The California Highway Patrol said flames were "moving fast" and closed the eastbound lanes of San Timoteo Canyon Road at Live Oak, along the evacuation area.

The blaze, dubbed the Palmer Fire, was being fueled by high temperatures and gusts blowing at up to 35 mph, according to the National Weather Service.

An evacuation center was set up for residents displaced by the fire at the Redlands Community Center at 111 West Lugonia Ave.

By Monday, all evacuations were lifted and all roads were reopened.

Officials said the Palmer fire was sparked by fireworks.

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