Wildfire — Riverside, California

2003-10-21 to 2003-10-24 · near High Grove, Riverside, California

Wider weather episode

Named the Pass Fire, this fire was started by an arsonist. It burned 2387 acres and destroyed 5 houses, 1 barn, 21 out buildings, and several vehicles. An additional 3 houses were damaged before the fire was fully controlled. Atmospheric conditions were favorable for rapid fire growth both preceding and during it's life cycle. Maximum temperatures ranged between 95 and 105 degrees. Relative humidities ranged between 5 and 10 percent during the day, and 25 to 30 percent during the night. Wind direction was east to southeast during the night and mornings, shifting to west and northwest during the afternoon hours. Fire fighting costs were estimated at $3 million.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 5335893. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.