Brush Fire Destroys Vehicles, Outbuildings Near 215 Freeway

MEAD VALLEY, CA — A brush fire that burned Tuesday afternoon just west of Interstate 215 in Mead Valley, north of Menifee, charred 32 acres and destroyed several outbuildings and vehicles before it was halted.

Shortly after 2 p.m., Cal Fire/Riverside County Fire Department announced the forward rate of spread on the blaze was stopped — but not before it destroyed the property.

Just before nightfall, the blaze was 100% contained, the agency said.

Dubbed the Rider Fire, the brusher was reported at 12:43 p.m. in the 19900 block of Seaton Avenue, and was initially burning in heavy vegetation "at a rapid rate of spread," according to the fire department.

As of 1:40 p.m., the fire department announced there was zero containment on the blaze.

Just after 2 p.m., freeway traffic continued to be slow in the area, and Seaton Avenue remained closed in both directions.

Ninety-seven firefighters were summoned to the blaze and an air attack was utilized in the battle, the fire department reported.

There was no word on when crews would reach full containment on the fire. They were expected to remain on scene through the night.

No injuries were immediately reported. The cause of the blaze was unknown.

Later in the day, another fire broke out in the area. Read more: 30 Horses Turned Loose During Brush Fire Near Lake Elsinore