Brush Fire Erupts In Homeless Encampment Near Highway 74

HOMELAND, CA — A brush fire that erupted Tuesday in a transient encampment in Homeland scorched more than two acres amid intense late-afternoon winds before it was stopped.

The non-injury blaze was reported at 4:25 p.m. in the area of Juniper Flats and Watson roads, just north of Highway 74, according to Cal Fire/Riverside County Fire Department.

The agency said multiple engine crews were sent to the location and encountered flames burning to the east at a moderate rate through medium brush.

A stiff afternoon breeze developed about the time the blaze broke out.

Firefighters began deploying around the brusher at 4:40 p.m., receiving assistance from at least one Cal Fire water-dropping helicopter, according to reports from the scene.

Crews were aided by roads running north-south, acting as natural fire breaks.

The blaze was fully contained at 5:10 p.m.

Officials said the flames started in a homeless encampment, but it was unclear whether a debris, warming or cooking fire might have been to blame.