Riverside Fire Department

Van Buren Incident



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Incident Name: Van Buren Incident

Date Reported: 11/27/2023

Time Reported: 1515 Hours

Incident Location: Van Buren X Santa Ana Riverside, Riverside, CA 92505

Ward #: Ward 3 Fierro

Type of Incident: Vegetation Fire

Incident Number: RIV #23-040416

Control Time: 1600 Hours

Fatalities:

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Moderate:

Minor:

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Cause:

  • Cause undetermined after investigation
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    Resources Assigned


    Chief Officer(s): 1

    Engine Companies: 4

    Truck Companies:

    Squad(s):

    Ambulance(s):

    Firefighter(s): 16

    Safety Officer(s):

    Public Information Officer(s):

    Fire Investigator(s):

    Overhead Personnel:

    Mutual Aid:

  • No Mutual Aid Received
  • Specialized Equipment:

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    Current Situation


    (Recent updates are posted at the top of the Current Situation)

    The City of Riverside Fire Department responded a 1st alarm vegetation fire assignment to the Santa Ana River Bottom located behind the Water Treatment Plant adjacent to the bike trail.  Firefighters arrived on scene to find a large homeless camp on fire in an area of 50’ X 50’ burning in light to heavy fuels with several transients in the area.  Firefighters were hampered in making access due to a chain link fence, rock jetty and crossing the outflow from the water treatment plant.  A total of 16 firefighters and one chief officer responded to the incident.

    There were no firefighter injuries or civilian injuries.  The cause of the fire was undetermined after investigation, but the probable cause was human related.


    Assisting Aid Agencies



    Incident Commander: Battalion Chief Bruce Vanderhorst

    Prepared By: Battalion Chief Bruce Vanderhorst

    Date / Time Posted: 11/27/2023 1935

    Information Center: 951.826.5321