Lake Elsinore Fire Pushes Heavy Smoke Across 15 Freeway

LAKE ELSINORE, CA — A fire that erupted Monday in a storm canal adjacent to Interstate 15 in Lake Elsinore scorched pipes, prompted a road closure and likely contributed to an accident before it was contained.

The blaze was reported at 3:18 p.m. in the area of Grape Street and Railroad Canyon Road, along the northbound side of I-15, according to the California Highway Patrol and Cal Fire/Riverside County Fire Department.

Officials said multiple engine crews were sent to the location and encountered thick smoke in the canal, where a spot fire spread into tunnel debris.

A motorist exiting northbound I-15 at Railroad Canyon was involved in a crash about the time firefighters arrived, though no injuries were reported by the CHP.

Black smoke billowed over the freeway, causing some visibility restrictions, though the fire was not directly underneath it, according to reports from the scene.

The smoke wafted through the sewage system, reaching a nearby condominium complex, where occupants called 911 to report exposure discomfort.

Sewage pipes were reportedly scorched but not damaged by the flames.

CHP officers shut down the Railroad Canyon off-ramp at 4 p.m. for public safety. Sheriff's deputies additionally closed Grape, between Railroad Canyon to the north and Malaga Road to the south, enabling fire crews to use the entire stretch of road for operations.

The fire was declared 100% contained at 5:30 p.m.

The cause was under investigation.