California Wildfire Update: Fairview Fire Grows to Nearly 10,000 Acres, Kills 2; Residents Ignore Evacuation Orders

A deadly California wildfire named Fairview Fire has continued to grow, burning 9,846 acres as of Wednesday afternoon. It prompted officials to issue more evacuation orders and warnings.

According to KTLA, the containment of the Fairview fire was just 5%, and firefighters were still battling intense flames, heavy smoke, and hot temperatures.

The California wildfire started on Monday afternoon near Fairview Avenue and Bautista Canyon Road. It has then consumed hundreds of acres of brush and several homes.

Seven structures had already been lost, and fire officials expect the number to climb. Authorities confirmed Wednesday that two people died after their vehicle was overcome by flames as they tried to flee the site on Monday afternoon.

Sgt. Brandi Swan of the Riverside County Sheriff's Department said the victims' identities could not be released at this time as they have not been positively identified due to the condition they were found.

A third victim was found outside the vehicle with severe burns and was transported to a hospital. The third female victim is expected to survive.

California Fairview Fire Evacuation Orders

Mandatory evacuations had been ordered for the foothills of Hemet Valley, South of Thornton Avenue, North of Polly Butte Road, and West of Fairview Avenue. It also covered East of State Street.

According to CBS News, a care and reception area for evacuees was placed at Tahquitz High School. The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) updated its evacuation orders on Tuesday.

The evacuation now covers Thomas Mountain Ridge South to Cactus Valley and Bautista Canyon. Hemet Unified School District has announced the closure of its campuses for the meantime until an announcement is made.

Cal Fire's Captain Richard Cordova said that despite the evacuation orders, many residents chose to stay. Cordova noted that the department could not go in and physically remove them. He added that he hopes people would follow the evacuation orders as it is for their own safety.

Household pets evacuated from the Fairview Fire are accepted at the Riverside County Department of Animal Services, with 13 animals already impounded. A pig was also assisted at one home.

California Wildfire: Fairview Fire Growing

The California wildfire has not shown any signs of slowing down, with the Cal Fire Chief saying in a press conference that the fire was burning in all directions, "on all flanks,"

According to CNN, Riverside County declared a local emergency due to the Fairview Fire. The county's website noted that the emergency proclamation could aid the county eligible for possible federal and state assistance, including cost reimbursement.

Needed services and items to respond to the emergency could also be easily procured. An investigation into how the fire sparked is now underway but was seen to take several days.

In a regulatory filing, company Southern California Edison said it was probing whether its equipment had been a contributing factor in the fire, Desert Sun reported. Janssen noted that the fire continued to outpace their efforts at the moment.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Mary Webber

WATCH: Officials Urge Residents to Evacuate as California's Fairview Fire Continues to Threaten Communities - From CBS News