A wind-driven brush fire, the Verona fire, broke out north of Homeland on May 19, 2026, destroying outbuildings and threatening homes. - The fire grew to 600 acres by evening, prompting evacuations in Hemet.
- A man told Simi Valley police he hit a rock with his tractor, causing a spark that started the fire. - Firefighters established a defensive perimeter and prevented damage to occupied homes.
The cause of the fire was not immediately announced, but the tractor spark is under investigation.