Mandalay Fire Triggers Mass Evacuations and Road Closures in Riverside

RIVERSIDE, Calif. — The Mandalay Fire erupted on June 29, 2025, in the city of Riverside, forcing urgent evacuations and road closures as the fast-moving blaze rapidly expanded to 63 acres by evening. The fire, which began shortly after 2 p.m. near Tyler Street and Mandalay Court, sent heavy smoke drifting over neighborhoods and prompted a flood of 911 calls.

Mandatory evacuation orders were issued for residents in zones north of Arlington Avenue, south of the Santa Ana River Trail, east of Mitchell Avenue and Valley Drive, and west of Jurupa and Crest avenues. Residents on Gaylor Street, Eureka Drive, and Mandalay Court were among those told to leave immediately as flames approached their homes. The Riverside Police Department closed Tyler Street between Arlington and Jurupa Avenues, along with surrounding side streets, to facilitate emergency response and protect public safety.

The firefighting response escalated to a four-alarm emergency, with five mutual aid engine companies and Cal Fire joining local crews. At least one water-dropping aircraft was deployed as authorities worked to halt the fire’s advance. By 4:30 p.m., officials reported that the fire’s forward progress had been stopped, though hotspots and flare-ups remained a concern.

A care and reception center for displaced residents was established at the La Sierra Senior Center at 5215 La Sierra Avenue. As of the latest updates, no injuries or property damage have been reported, and the cause of the fire remains under investigation.

The Mandalay Fire is one of several wildfires currently challenging Southern California, highlighting the region’s ongoing wildfire crisis and the strain on emergency resources.