Blaze West of Temecula Burns Citrus Grove

TEMECULA, CA -- A fire broke out Monday afternoon in a citrus grove in the hills just west of Temecula, blackening about two acres before it was partially contained.

The non-injury brush fire was reported about 3:15 p.m. in the area of El Prado and La Vella roads, in the unincorporated community of De Luz, according to the Riverside County Fire Department.

Multiple engine crews and a Cal Fire water-dropping helicopter were sent to the location, encountering flames burning in the grove and threatening to spread into surrounding vegetation.

No homes or other structures were immediately threatened, according to reports from the scene.

A battalion chief said the flames had the potential to expand to 10 acres, but crews were strengthening containment lines by 3:45 p.m., and it appeared the fire might be completely encircled by 4:30 p.m.

How the blaze started was still unclear as of Monday afternoon.

City News Service contributed to this report.