Firefighters Monday battled flames that quickly spread to 110 acres of vegetation in Mecca.
Fire crews responded near Avenue 66 and Highway 86 Expressway about noon Monday to a report of a well-established vegetation fire, according to the Riverside County Fire Department.
The blaze was reportedly between 3 and 5 acres shortly after and posed a threat to nearby powerlines, fire officials said. Imperial Irrigation District crews responded to the scene to assist.
By 2:45 p.m., the fire grew to 50 acres and fire officials said it had the potential of spreading to 200 acres.
“Firefighting operations (are) being hampered by winds,” fire officials said in a statement. Multiple city fire departments including Palm Springs, Hemet, Riverside and Cathedral City were assisting.
Additional engines were requested to the scene by 4:50 p.m. as the fire spread to 110 acres.
The California Highway Patrol closed Avenue 66 between Highway 86 and Fillmore Street as crews mitigated the flames, according to fire officials.
The cause of the fire was not immediately known.
No evacuations were ordered. No injuries were reported.