A fire burned 127 acres of vegetation in Mecca Monday and was 15% contained.
Firefighters 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 between 3 and 5 acres shortly after breaking out and posed a threat to nearby powerlines, a department official said. Imperial Irrigation District personnel responded to the scene to assist.
By 2:45 p.m., the fire had grown to 50 acres and department officials said it had the potential of spreading to 200 acres.
“Firefighting operations (are) being hampered by winds,” according to a department statement.
Firefighters from the Palm Springs, Hemet, Riverside and Cathedral City departments assisted in the firefight.
Additional engines were requested to the scene by 4:50 p.m. as the fire grew to 110 acres.
The California Highway Patrol closed Avenue 66 between Highway 86 and Fillmore Street as crews fought the fire, according to the Riverside County Fire Department.
The cause of the fire was not immediately known.
No evacuations were ordered. No injuries were reported.