The Fairview fire near Hemet, California exploded in size, burning nearly 20,000 acres and forcing evacuations.

A school in the Hemet Unified School District was closed due to a fire. It wasn’t clear when they would reopen.

Southern California Edison said in a filing Monday that circuit activity occurred “close” to when the fires started, but the company “does not admit that its equipment caused the wildfires.” .

The notice is intended to make the California Public Utilities Commission aware of the case so authorities can conduct an investigation, according to another document filed in conjunction with the report.

“Emergency declarations may help counties qualify for potential federal and state assistance and cost reimbursements. and items will be easier to source,” the county website said.

Two people died in a fire that quickly flared up on dry vegetation. The two were family members, California Highway Patrol Sergeants. Brandiswan said Wednesday.

“Two victims found inside the vehicle appeared to be trying to escape the fire,” Swann said, adding that the victims’ identities were not determined.

A third woman, a relative of the two who died, was found outside her car, she said.

“She has some major injuries and is recovering in the hospital,” Swann said. It’s sad to think they couldn’t leave.”