All evacuations lifted for 175-acre Mann fire in Norco

All evacuations were lifted Wednesday morning, March 4, for the Mann fire in Norco, a day after the fast-moving blaze threatened homes along the Santa Ana River.

Evacuations called at the height of the blaze were lifted or downgraded to evacuation warnings by Tuesday evening as winds calmed and firefighters stopped the fire’s movement. By Wednesday morning they were all canceled.

The blaze’s footprint remained at 175 acres and was 35% contained Wednesday morning, Cal-Fire/Riverside County said.

The cause of the Mann fire, which started near California Avenue and Grulla Court, remained under investigation. The fire burned through brush along the river bottom.

The last of the evacuation warnings, which affected about 500 homes and 1,500 people, was lifted shortly after 8 a.m.

The Mann fire was reported at 9:51 a.m. March 3, during a National Weather Service high-wind warning for northeasterly gusts in the area, and grew quickly as it was fanned by flames.

No home losses were reported, but five properties had minor damage to fences or outbuildings.

Two civilians complained of from smoke inhalation, but did not have to be hospitalized. A homeowner outside the fire area was injured when he fell from a ladder as he was hosing down his roof, firefighters said.

About 210 firefighters from several agencies were at the scene Tuesday, and some were expected to remain there Wednesday to chase hot spots and strengthen containment.