2 Firefighters Injured In Lake Elsinore Blaze That Forced Partial Closure Of 15 Freeway

LAKE ELSINORE, CA — A brush fire reported Monday afternoon along northbound Interstate 15 in Lake Elsinore consumed 50 acres, injured two firefighters, and forced partial closure of the freeway.

The Nichols Fire was reported at 12:41 p.m. on the east side of the freeway near Nichols Road.

As of 7 p.m., the fire was 75% contained, and the blaze's forward progress had been stopped, according to Cal Fire/Riverside County Fire Department.

One firefighter was transported to a local hospital for treatment of minor injuries, the fire department reported. An update on the crew member's condition was not released.

According to Cal Fire, a second firefighter was injured. An update was unavailable.

The California Highway Patrol issued a SigAlert for the northbound side of the freeway. Cal Fire reported that the #3 lane was closed. The SigAlert was still in place as of 7 p.m. Monday.

A total of 110 firefighting personnel were assigned to the blaze.

It's believed the Nichols Fire may have been sparked by a vehicle fire that was reported in the area.

RELATED: Lake Elsinore Fire Map: See The Nichols Fire Perimeter