A blaze erupted Friday in the Santa Ana River bottom on the west end of Jurupa Valley, scorching roughly two acres as crews worked to encircle it in heavy brush.
The blaze was reported about 11:10 a.m. in the area of Marlatt Street and Limonite Avenue, on the south side of the river bottom, close to the city limits of Norco, according to the Riverside County Fire Department.
The agency said multiple engine crews from the county and city of Riverside were sent to the location and encountered flames moving at a moderate rate in thick vegetation, approaching the Hidden Valley Wildlife Area.
Two Cal Fire water-dropping helicopters were requested to make runs on the brusher.
Firefighters were attempting to attack the blaze from two sides but were experiencing challenges accessing the river bottom, according to officials at the scene.
A battalion chief said that the fire could expand to 75 acres if winds accelerated.
No homes or other structures were immediately threatened, and no evacuation orders were imminent.
Sheriff’s deputies shut down a segment of Limonite at the location for public safety.
There was no immediate word on what might caused the fire.