A brush fire possibly triggered by lightning erupted Wednesday just west of Murrieta, blackening more than 200 acres and prompting evacuations.
The non-injury blaze was reported about 3:55 p.m. in the area of Clinton Keith and Tenaja roads, in the unincorporated community of La Cresta, according to the Riverside County Fire Department.
The agency said 44 engine crews and seven hand crews, numbering more than 250 personnel, were sent to the location and encountered flames in heavy vegetation, spreading to the north. As of 6:30 p.m., there was no containment of the fire.
Along with county crews, firefighters from Murrieta Fire & Rescue and other agencies were working to contain the fire, which was slowing as nightfall approached.
All residents on The Trails Circle were evacuated, and the Santa Rosa Plateau Visitor Center was shuttered, as the flames moved along the western side of Clinton Keith Road, crossing ridges.
A care and reception center was established for displaced residents at Murrieta Mesa High School.
Six Cal Fire air tankers and three water-dropping helicopters were making runs on the blaze, but they were expected to pull out by 8 p.m. due to poor visibility.
Clinton Keith Road was closed south of Avenida La Cresta, and Tenaja Road was shut down between Via Volcano and Clinton Keith Road for public safety and to give crews freedom to maneuver.
A battalion chief at the scene said the flames appeared to be headed toward an old burn scar, which could starve the flames of fuel overnight.
A thunderstorm cell moved through the area just prior to the fire, and it’s suspected that a lightning strike ignited it.
Power lines were reported down at the location.