A vehicle collision along Highway 243 near Banning sparked a wildfire Monday, Aug. 31 that grew to 23 acres within its first hour and shut down the highway in both directions.
The Panorama Fire, burning at a critical rate of spread, was reported around noon near Mount Edna Road and remained 0% contained shortly after 1 p.m., according to Cal Fire's Riverside Unit.
The California Highway Patrol said a vehicle went over the side of Highway 243, and the collision resulted in the brush fire.
A total of 106 personnel have been assigned to the fire, along with 13 engines, four hand crews, two bulldozers and one helicopter. Cal Fire said numerous air tankers were also making fire suppression runs as conditions allowed.
The San Bernardino National Forest
is also assisting in the response.
VEGETATION FIRE - rpt @ 12:00PM. Highway 243 / Mount Edna Road near Banning. Firefighters are on-scene of approximately 20 acres burning at a critical rate of spread. Additional air and ground resources are responding. #PanoramaFIRE @RivCoNow pic.twitter.com/heF4HP5Bjq
— CAL FIRE/Riverside County Fire Department (@CALFIRERRU) August 31, 2026
Panorama Fire evacuations
No evacuation orders or warnings had been issued for the Panorama Fire.
Evacuation zones can change quickly during a wildfire. Residents can monitor real-time emergency alerts and evacuation information through Genasys Protect at protect.genasys.com or through its mobile app.
Riverside County residents can also sign up for text and email alerts at rivcoready.org/alertrivco.
Traffic alert
— CHP - Beaumont (@CHPBeaumont) August 31, 2026
SR-243 incident pic.twitter.com/xOzUgFEhvU
Panorama Fire road closures
Highway 243 was closed in both directions between the city limits of Banning and Twin Pines as firefighters respond to the Panorama Fire.
The California Highway Patrol said the closure is expected to last for an "unknown duration" and advised motorists to use alternate routes.
Jennifer Cortez covers education and breaking news in the Coachella Valley for The Desert Sun. Reach her at jennifer.cortez@desertsun.com.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Panorama Fire near Banning grows to 23 acres, closes Highway 243
