Blaze Scorches Banning Airport Land, Smoke Seen From I-10

BANNING, CA — A brush fire erupted Thursday on the east end of Banning Municipal Airport, scorching about two acres before crews got it partially contained.

The non-injury blaze was reported at 4:50 p.m. just south of Interstate 10, near Malki Road, on the perimeter of the airport property, according to the Riverside County Fire Department.

The agency said that multiple engine crews were sent to the location and encountered flames moving at a moderate rate through light brush.

Firefighters established tentative containment lines on the eastern flank of the fire by 5:30 p.m.

No residences or businesses were in the path of the brusher, according to reports from the scene.

Banning police officers shut down access to Malki for public safety. I- 10 was not impacted, except for slowing traffic due to the activity.

The cause of the fire wasn't immediately known.