Brush Fire Causes Freeway Closure in Mission Valley

On January 14, 2025, an arson-caused brush fire, dubbed the Scout fire, erupted in Riverside's Santa Ana River bottom, affecting 2.6 acres before being controlled by firefighters. The incident prompted the evacuation of Mount Rubidoux and the closure of Mission Inn Avenue, although no homes were threatened and no injuries reported. Meanwhile, multiple brush fires broke out in Mission Valley, San Diego, including a 50' by 50' area fire that closed southbound lanes of Interstate 15. Firefighters quickly contained these blazes, with no injuries or damage to structures reported. Investigations are ongoing in both areas to determine the causes of the fires. The Riverside Fire Department is leading the investigation into the Scout fire, revealing it was intentionally set.