Waking up to the smell of smoke is basically a local pastime in Riverside County, but the fire in Jurupa Valley today has everyone on edge for a reason. If you’ve looked toward the hills near Pyrite Street and Granite Hill Drive, you’ve seen the haze. It’s the Pyrite Fire, and honestly, it’s a bit of a monster for this time of year. As of Saturday morning, January 17, 2026, the blaze has already chewed through 425 acres of dry brush.
Firefighters are out there in the dirt. It’s 15% contained. That number sounds small because it is. When the Santa Ana winds start kicking up, 15% feels like holding back a flood with a screen door.
The Current Situation on the Ground
Cal Fire Riverside hasn’t caught a break. This thing started Friday around 5 p.m., right as everyone was trying to get home. It’s burning in some rough terrain—lots of rocky outcroppings and fuel that hasn't seen a good rain in way too long.
You’ve probably seen the helicopters. They’ve been dipping into whatever water sources they can find to drop on the head of the fire. Ground crews are literally hiking in with hand tools to scrape away anything that can burn. It’s exhausting, gritty work.
Evacuations and Safety Zones
If you live in Jurupa Valley, you need to check your zone. Right now. Don't wait for a knock on the door that might come too late.
The following evacuation warnings are active:
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- JUR-0017
- JUR-0018
- JUR-0019
- JUR-0031
A "warning" means you should be ready to go. Got your "go-bag"? Shoes by the bed? Keep them there. If it upgrades to an "order," that’s the law telling you to leave because your life is at risk.
For those who’ve already had to step out, Jurupa Valley High School is the designated evacuation center. If you have pets—and let's be real, most of us have at least a dog or a grumpy cat—the animal shelter at 6851 Van Buren Blvd is taking them in. Don't leave your animals behind; the smoke alone is enough to hurt them.
Why This Fire is Stubborn
Riverside County is a powder keg. We had a bit of a "whiplash" weather pattern lately where it gets cool and moist, then bam—bone dry and windy. The Santa Ana winds are the real villain here. They push the flames through the canyons faster than a person can run.
The Pyrite Fire isn't the only headache. Just yesterday, two smaller spot fires broke out in the Santa Ana River bottom near Mission Inn Avenue. Those merged into a single two-acre blaze. While the river bottom fires are often linked to encampments, the cause of the main fire in Jurupa Valley today is still under investigation.
What the Experts Are Seeing
Meteorologists from the National Weather Service have been tracking a Red Flag Warning for the Inland Empire. These warnings aren't just "flavor text" for the news; they mean the humidity is low enough that a single spark from a weed whacker or a tossed cigarette can start a catastrophe.
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When you combine 50 mph gusts with 10% humidity, fire doesn't just burn; it "spots." That means embers fly miles ahead of the main line and start new fires. That’s exactly what the crews are trying to prevent right now.
Road Closures and Traffic Chaos
Driving around Jurupa Valley today is a nightmare. Avoid the area near Pyrite and Granite Hill if you can. Police have blocked off several access points to keep the roads clear for those massive fire engines.
- Pyrite Street is restricted.
- Granite Hill Drive has heavy emergency vehicle presence.
- Expect delays on the 60 Freeway as people slow down to look at the smoke (please, just keep driving).
Protecting Your Health from the Smoke
Even if the flames aren't near your house, the air quality is "unhealthy" to say the least. That gray gunk in the air is full of fine particulate matter.
- Close your windows. Every single one of them.
- Run your AC on recirculate mode so you aren't pulling in the outside air.
- If you have to go outside, use an N95 mask. Those blue surgical masks won't filter out the smoke particles.
Elderly residents and anyone with asthma should really stay indoors. The South Coast AQMD usually issues advisories during these events, and today is no different. You'll likely see ash on your car—don't rub it off, as it can scratch the paint. Just wait until the air clears to wash it.
Actionable Steps for Jurupa Valley Residents
The situation is fluid. One shift in wind direction can change everything. Here is what you should do right now to stay ahead of the fire in Jurupa Valley today.
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Download the Watch Duty App
This is honestly the best tool for Californians. It’s updated by real people monitoring radio scanners and satellite feeds. You’ll get notifications often before the official press releases go out.
Register for RivCoAlert
This is the official emergency alert system for Riverside County. It sends a ping to your phone if your specific neighborhood is under threat. If you aren't signed up, you’re flying blind.
Prepare Your Property
If you aren't in an evacuation zone yet, take ten minutes to move patio furniture, umbrellas, and firewood away from your house. Clear the dead leaves out of your gutters. These tiny steps can be the difference between a house that survives and one that doesn't.
Keep Your Tech Charged
If the power goes out—which Southern California Edison sometimes does for safety (PSPS)—you need your phone. Keep a portable power bank ready.
The Pyrite Fire is a reminder that fire season is basically year-round now. Stay vigilant, keep your radio tuned to local news, and listen to the folks in the yellow coats. They know what they're doing.