Fire Consumes Semi Parked Near Winchester Church

WINCHESTER, CA — A fire that erupted Thursday in a big rig idling in a parking lot near a Winchester church consumed part of the truck but was stopped before spreading to surrounding vegetation.

The non-injury blaze was reported at 12:12 p.m. in the 32000 block of Scott Road, near Beeler Road, according to the Riverside County Fire Department.

Multiple engine crews were sent to the location and encountered flames raging in the engine compartment and cab of the semi, which was detached from its trailer.

The trucker escaped unharmed.

Firefighters quickly deployed to prevent the flames from spreading to trees on the property, where a business, home and the Rock Ridge Church are located, according to reports from the scene.

The fire was fully contained by 12:30 p.m. and completely knocked down a few minutes later.

The cause was under investigation.

—City News Service