California’s Riverside County Fire Department is responding to a bushfire on Monday. The blaze quickly spread over 500 acres of land, triggering evacuation orders.

According to the fire department, evacuation orders have been issued to the south of Thornton Avenue, north of Polly Butte Road, west of Fairview Avenue and east of State Street. Roughly one hour after the first order, authorities expanded evacuation zones. The updated list also included areas that are south of Stetson and North of Cactus Valley Road.

Also Read: Fire-stricken California town has learned to live on edge

While no deaths have been reported so far, one individual has been rushed to the hospital with burns on their arms, back and face. The fire has also damaged multiple homes, while some at Gibbel Road were fully engulfed in fire. 

The Riverside County Fire Department swiftly responded to the fire. At least four helicopters, six air tankers and 33 engine companies are working to extinguish the blaze, which was first reported at 3:37 PM on Monday.

Four of the air tankers were also placed under “no divert” orders by authorities. This means that these can not be taken off duty due to the “imminent threat to life and property”, the fire department said.

The Riverside County Fire Department said that Tahquitz High School (4425 Titan Trail, Hemet) is now being used as a care and reception site.

Images shared on social media by residents of the area show thick smoke engulfing houses and burning structures. 

Also Read: Watch: Structures destroyed in Lincoln Heights, Weed, Siskiyou County as mill fire spreads rapidly

The Mill Fire, a similar blaze reported earlier this month, in the northern city of Weed, California. The fire spread over 4,200 acres. Fire officials managed to contain about 40% of the blaze by Sunday evening. 

Gavin Newsom, the governor of California, declared a state of emergency for Siskiyou County after the Mill Fire. He added that a federal grant had been received.