4 Outbuildings Destroyed In 64-Acre Cabazon Fire

CABAZON, CA — A brush fire that erupted Tuesday south of Interstate 10 in Cabazon scorched more than 60 acres and reached the eastbound side of the freeway, destroying four outbuildings in its path before crews stopped it.

The non-injury blaze was reported at 12:48 p.m. near the intersection of Bonita Avenue and Elm Street, according to Cal Fire/Riverside County Fire Department.

Multiple engine and hand crews were sent to the location and encountered flames moving at a moderate rate through medium brush, fire officials said.

The fire was initially about a half-mile from the eastbound side of I-10, but by 1:30 p.m., it had reached bushes alongside the freeway, blanketing all lanes with smoke, according to the California Highway Patrol.

Three Cal Fire air tankers and a water-dropping helicopter made runs on the brusher, slowing its advance, but the flames still consumed four outbuildings, officials said.

The fire didn't jump the freeway, which remained open, and no evacuation orders or warnings were issued.

Air operations ended shortly before 3 p.m. as crews made steady progress digging containment lines. The fire's forward rate of spread was stopped by 3:30 p.m., when it was also declared 10% contained, according to the fire department.

A total of 64.3 acres were charred, officials said.

The cause of the fire was under investigation.