Firefighters from across Southern California are battling several wildfires that have forced hundreds of people from their homes and, in some cases, destroyed structures.
In Riverside County, crews are working to contain the Bain and Verona wildfires. The Bain Fire erupted in Jurupa Valley near Limonite Avenue and Bain Street around 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, prompting evacuation orders and warnings. It has grown to more than 900 acres, according to the most recent Cal Fire advisory. An emergency shelter was established at La Sierra Senior Center. Four civilians have been injured, officials said.
Less than an hour later, the Verona Fire sparked near Verona Road and Juniper Springs Road in the community of Homeland, also forcing evacuations.
In San Bernardino County, the Willow Fire broke out in the hills between Chino and Yorba Linda shortly after 11 a.m. and was fully contained by 4:30 p.m., officials said. No evacuation orders were issued for the wildfire.
Sky5 view of the Bain Fire in Riverside County, California on May 19, 2026. (KTLA)
Fire crews battle the Sandy Fire Monday, May 18, 2026, in Simi Valley, Calif. (AP Photo/Ethan Swope)
The Sandy Fire damages a property Monday, May 18, 2026, in Simi Valley, Calif. (AP Photo/Ethan Swope)
An air tanker drops retardant on the Sandy Fire on Monday, May 18, 2026, in Simi Valley, Calif. (AP Photo/Ethan Swope)
A U.S. Coast Guard MH-60T Jayhawk helicopter crew with Air Station Ventura locates a mariner in distress during a fire in Santa Rosa Island, California, May 15, 2026. (U.S. Coast Guard)
In Simi Valley, firefighters are making progress containing the Sandy Fire, which erupted late Monday morning and destroyed at least one home. The fire has grown to nearly 1,700 acres as of Tuesday afternoon and was 5% contained.
California’s largest active fire is burning on uninhabited Santa Rosa Island in the Channel Islands, off the coast of Ventura and Santa Barbara counties. Authorities said it was likely caused by a sailor who shipwrecked on the island last Friday and fired flares to signal for help.
The man was rescued by the U.S. Coast Guard, but the Santa Rosa Fire had charred nearly 17,000 acres as of Tuesday afternoon.
Official updates: Sandy Fire | Bain Fire | Verona Fire | Santa Rosa Fire | Willow Fire
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