Tenaja Fire: Mandatory evacuation orders lifted after blaze burns 2,000 acres near Murrieta, containment rises to 20 percent

LA CRESTA, Calif. -- All mandatory evacuation orders and warnings were lifted Friday for a 2,000-acre wildfire burning just west of Murrieta that threatened hundreds of homes and prompted the closure of nearby schools.

The Tenaja Fire was 20 percent contained, according to Cal Fire. The blaze was reported shortly before 4 p.m. Wednesday in the area of Clinton Keith and Tenaja roads in the unincorporated community of La Cresta.

Fast-moving flames ultimately threatened 1,200 homes and damaged two.

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The Riverside County Emergency Management Department announced the lifting of mandatory evacuation orders, noting that residents may continue to see smoke in the area.

Temperatures in the burn area on Friday are expected to reach 93 degrees, with 15 mph winds and 41 percent humidity, according to the National Weather Service.

Some 900 personnel have responded to the blaze, whose cause remains under investigation. Lightning strikes were observed in the area amid scorching temperatures and high humidity on the fire's first day.

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Firefighters continued to battle a fast-moving blaze Thursday in the La Cresta community near Murrieta where 1,974 acres were scorched and residential evacuations were ordered.

Campuses remain closed in the Murrieta Valley, Romoland, Lake Elsinore and Menifee Union school districts amid concerns of the poor air quality. Health experts are recommending residents avoid any kind of strenuous outdoor activity as long as the fire continues to smolder.

A Red Cross shelter was established at Murrieta Mesa High School, located at 24801 Monroe Avenue. A full containment is expected by Tuesday.