Riverside County residents Craig and Katherine MacIver witnessed the Highland Fire sweep through the Aguanga area, but their own home was spared. Although neighboring homes were destroyed by the blaze, the MacIvers attribute their home's survival to regularly clearing the surrounding area of grass and weeds. They had to evacuate with their horses but were able to find shelter at a friend's house. The couple expressed gratitude towards the first responders who battled the flames, emphasizing that their efforts prevented the loss of many other homes. The Highland Fire started on Monday, October 30, and rapidly spread, burning approximately 2,200 acres as of Tuesday morning. Evacuation orders and warnings remain in place for the affected areas, and a care center has been set up at Great Oak High School in Temecula. The cause of the fire is still under investigation, and there have been no reported injuries. This fire was fueled by Santa Ana winds which may continue to impact the area, posing a challenge for firefighters.