A brush fire that erupted Wednesday on the southeast end of the Lake Perris State Recreation Area burned roughly 150 acres, spreading to the boundaries of the preserve before crews began encircling it, with the aid of Cal Fire aircraft.
The non-injury blaze was reported at 2:35 p.m. near a landmark called Pictograph Rock, along the Loop Trail, according to the Riverside County Fire Department.
Multiple engine and hand crews from the county and other agencies were sent to the location and encountered flames amid rugged terrain.
Officials at the scene estimated the blaze to be about 150 acres as of 4:15 p.m.
Cal Fire water-dropping helicopters and air tankers slowed the fire’s advance by 5:30 p.m., laying down sufficient retardant to enable crews to begin establishing tentative containment lines.
Winds were pushing the flames to the southeast, but by late afternoon, airflows were abating, reducing the fire’s momentum.
Several roads going into Lake Perris were shut down by sheriff’s deputies and park rangers for public safety.
The cause of the fire was not immediately known.