A half-acre fire that was likely intentionally ignited north of the Pomona (60) Freeway in Jurupa Valley Monday was quickly knocked down by crews, and a suspect was detained by sheriff’s deputies.
The non-injury blaze was reported at 12:05 p.m. in the area of Granite Hill Drive and Pedley Road, less than a quarter mile from the freeway, according to the Riverside County Fire Department.
The agency said multiple engine crews were sent to the location and encountered flames moving east in medium vegetation at a moderate rate.
A man was spotted fleeing the area along the westbound 60, and patrol deputies were requested to detain him, according to reports from the scene.
The fire was completely contained within 10 minutes. No homes or other structures were threatened.
Deputies apprehended the suspect, whose identity was not disclosed, and he was returned to the scene of the fire for questioning by Cal Fire arson investigators.
As of 12:30 p.m., the man remained detained, but it was unclear whether he would be formally taken into custody in connection with the blaze.