The Juniper Fire broke out on Monday morning in Riverside County, rapidly burning nearly 700 acres southeast of central Los Angeles. Fueled by dry brush and hot winds, the fire spread rapidly, catching locals off guard as smoke blanketed the area. Cal Fire confirmed the fire started around 11:30 a.m. in an unincorporated area and required immediate response.
Authorities issued a California evacuation order that afternoon, affecting over 5,000 people, based on LandScan population data. Although the evacuation order was lifted by 9 p.m., officials kept evacuation warnings in place through the night. At the time the order was lifted, the fire was only 30 per cent contained, according to Cal Fire updates.
Juniper fire, burning acres of area
Three Wildfires Challenge Fire Crews in Los Angeles Region
The Juniper Fire is just one of three major fires burning across Riverside County in early July. The Wolf Fire, which began on Sunday, and the Mindy Fire, also started on Sunday, burned around 100 acres and is now mostly contained with no current evacuation orders.
- Wolf Fire: 2,400 acres, 30% contained
- Mindy Fire: 100 acres, mostly contained
- Juniper Fire: 700 acres, 30% contained
These back-to-back fires have pushed firefighting crews to their limits as they scramble to contain multiple active blazes. Authorities are warning residents to stay alert, as flare-ups and wind changes can rapidly shift fire directions.
California wolf fire map
Residents Evacuated Immediately
The California evacuation order came just hours after the fire started, driven by concern over fast-moving flames and poor visibility. With over 5,000 people impacted, many had to leave their homes with little notice and find temporary shelter. Even after the evacuation was lifted, officials warned that conditions remained dangerous and evacuation warnings were still in effect.
Fire officials urge residents to remain ready in case the fire shifts or grows due to unexpected weather changes. Though no injuries or fatalities have been reported, the full extent of structural damage is still under assessment. The fire perimeter remained unstable Monday night, with firefighters continuing to battle hotspots through early morning.
#JuniperFIRE [UPDATE 1:11PM] The fire is now 175 acres, burning at a critical rate of spread. Additional ground and air resources have been requested. Santa Rosa Mine Road is closed between Juniper Road and Post Road. Please avoid the area.
— CAL FIRE/Riverside County Fire Department (@CALFIRERRU) June 30, 2025
Crews Battle Harsh Weather
As of July 1, the wildfire containment progress on the Juniper Fire was stuck at 30 per cent, with firelines still vulnerable. Firefighters are working through dry heat, low humidity, and wind gusts—all of which make it harder to stop the spread. Southern California’s dry winter has made conditions ripe for wildfires, increasing the risk across the entire region.
Experts predict that the state could experience above-normal fire activity by September, particularly if summer conditions persist or worsen. Both the Juniper and Wolf Fires remain active, and containment efforts are expected to take several more days. Fire crews are rotating in shifts to prevent burnout and ensure constant progress across the fire perimeters.
Fires Hit L.A. Earlier
The Juniper Fire follows devastating Los Angeles wildfires earlier this year, which left communities in ruins and claimed dozens of lives. In January, the Eaton Fire tore through Altadena, destroying over 9,400 buildings and scorching 14,000 acres of land.
The Palisades Fire followed, burning more than 23,000 acres and demolishing 6,800 buildings across Malibu and Pacific Palisades. Together, both fires claimed 30 lives, marking California’s second-deadliest fire event after the 2018 Camp Fire. These events have left residents across the state deeply anxious as each new fire season becomes more intense and unpredictable. Officials stress the importance of preparation and early evacuation to prevent further tragedy in vulnerable communities.
Stay Ready, Stay Safe
Fire officials continue to urge Californians to prepare for a long and dangerous fire season this year. Southern California’s dry brush and hot winds create perfect wildfire conditions that may last until late September or beyond.
Recommended safety measures include:
- Keep emergency kits packed and updated
- Clear dry brush around homes for defensible space
- Follow Cal Fire alerts and local updates
- Know evacuation routes and practice them
On average, California loses 1.4 million acres to wildfires each year, though totals vary depending on the season. In 2020, dry lightning storms across Northern California sparked wildfires that burned over 4.3 million acres statewide. By contrast, just 300,000 acres burned in each of the following two years, showing how unpredictable fire seasons can be. This year’s early fires—including the Juniper Fire, Riverside County wildfire, and Wolf Fire—may signal a return to more extreme conditions.
