Flare-up of Holy Fire burns in Temescal Canyon

Remains of the Holy Fire kicked up Monday near Santiago Peak in the Temescal Canyon. Photo courtesy Murrieta Fire and Rescue

Story updated Aug. 28, 10:30 a,m,:

A flare-up of the Holy Fire that spread to 150 acres near Santiago Peak in the Montecito Ranch area of Temescal Canyon is now 93 percent contained, and full containment of the fire is expected by Sept. 2, according to fire officials.

A portion of the remaining fire hopped outside of containment lines on Monday, according to Cleveland National Forest officials. Resources were dispatched and are working now to contain the flare-up.

The Holy Fire, which began Aug. 6 in the Holy Jim Canyon area, has burned more than 23,000 acres in Orange and Riverside counties. Firefighters were approaching 100 percent containment on the fire but hot spots remained. Forest Gordon Clark, a resident of Holy Jim Canyon, has been charged with setting the fire.

The red area at Santiago Peak indicates the flare-up in comparison to the entire Holy Fire burn area, which is shown in green. Map courtesy of Cleveland National Forest Service