Firefighters Investigate Brush Fire Near Temecula

TEMECULA, CA — Firefighters Saturday were investigating the cause of a brush fire that erupted just east of Temecula and burned 14 acres, according to the Riverside County Fire Department.

The non-injury blaze was reported just before 3 p.m. Friday in the area of Morgan Hill Drive and Coppola Street, along Temecula Creek and south of the highway.

Multiple engine crews were sent to the location and encountered flames moving northeast at a moderate rate through medium brush.

Three Cal Fire air tankers and two water-dropping helicopters initiated drops to prevent the brusher from jumping Highway 79, which California Highway Patrol officers and Riverside County Sheriff's Department deputies at one point prepared to shut down, but never did.

By 6 p.m., the blaze was 75% contained, according to the fire department. Firefighters reached full containment of the brusher by 7 p.m.

The cause of the fire remained unknown.

— City News Service