Two smaller fires that broke out Wednesday near Mecca and quickly charred 12 acres, prompting a request for Cal Fire air support.
The blazes were reported about 3:30 p.m. near Parkside Drive, which leads to the Salton Sea State Recreation Area, according to the Riverside County Fire Department.
Thirteen engine crews were sent to the location, and an unspecified number of Cal Fire air tankers were summoned to make runs on the brush fire. A fire official said the request was rare given the location of the blazes.
It was not immediately clear what sparked the fires.