A brush fire broke out Wednesday in Mead Valley, consuming an estimated 25 acres in less than an hour and threatening several homes.
The blaze was reported at 4:08 p.m. in the area of Day Street and Cajalco Road, according to the Riverside County Fire Department.
According to the agency, multiple engine and hand crews, as well as a helicopter-borne strike team, were sent to the location and encountered flames “moving at a critical rate” through medium brush amid stiff southwesterly winds.
Firefighters immediately deployed to establish protective screens around two properties in the path of the brusher.
Four Cal Fire air tankers and a water-dropping helicopter were summoned to make runs on the blaze.
No evacuation orders were pending as of 4:55 p.m., and there was zero containment.
There was no immediate word regarding what triggered the fire.