A wildfire burned 135 acres near the Jacqueline Cochran Regional Airport in Thermal and destroyed $1 million worth of mulch-making machinery, officials said Sunday.
The fire was five percent contained as of Sunday and the airport — which serves general aviation — was expected to remain closed until Monday, according to the Riverside County Fire Department.
Fire crews from across the Coachella Valley were assisting the 85 county firefighters from 20 engine companies who were battling the blaze.
The fire began as multiple spot fires just before 11 p.m. Saturday that grew overnight amid 10 to 15 mph winds, and quickly consumed 10 acres near the intersection of Airport Boulevard and Shady Lane, according to county fire department spokeswoman Jody Hagemann.
The flames exploded to 135 acres before dawn, with firefighters just beginning to get a handle on it Sunday morning, she said.
Some of the airport’s property was burned by the fire, Hagemann said.
Airport Boulevard between Harrison and Polk streets was closed for the time being, according to the Riverside County Transportation Department.
No injuries were reported.