Brush Fire Ignites West Of I-15 In Lake Elsinore, Arson Suspected

LAKE ELSINORE, CA — A small brush fire broke out Wednesday afternoon in Lake Elsinore in a dry riverbed and may have been intentionally set, according to officials.

The blaze burned roughly a half-acre before crews contained it, briefly threatening one business. No one was injured, and firefighters would conduct mop-up operations until at least 5 p.m.

Just before 2:30 p.m., witnesses reported the brush fire burning in the 31600 block of Auto Center Drive, Cal Fire spokesperson Rob Roseen said. Multiple engine crews arrived at the location and encountered flames approaching the north side of a business.

Firefighters deployed to provide a protective screen, preventing the flames from reaching the structure, according to reports from the scene. At 2:55 p.m., the fire was completely contained.

Smoke could be seen from the southbound I-15 freeway at Diamond Drive, California Highway Patrol dispatch operators said.

The small blaze burned through brush and grass in the riverbed and wash area as firefighters worked to get the upper hand.

Sheriff's deputies summoned to provide traffic control spotted a transient carrying suspicious materials possibly connected to the fire, according to officials at the scene.

It was unclear whether the man was immediately detained. A Cal Fire arson investigator was sent to the location.

City News Service contributed to this report.