Firefighters rushed to put out the flames from the Juniper Fire in Riverside County Monday as the brush fire, fanned by high winds, grew to burn more than 400 acres in less than two hours

The fire was reported at around 11: 28 a.m. in the area of Ann Way and Juniper Road in the Mead Valley community near Perris.

The agency said multiple engines and hand crews from the county and surrounding departments were sent to the location, but as the fire burned at a “critical rate of speed,” additional ground and air crews and resources were requested.

Cal Fire issued an evacuation orders and warnings for the affected area.

Drivers were urged the avoid the area, especially Santa Rose Mine Road between Juniper Road and Post Road as firefighting efforts continued.

This is a developing story.