A brush fire that broke out Thursday near the Moreno Valley (60) Freeway in the Badlands east of Moreno Valley consumed four acres before it was stopped.
The non-injury blaze was reported at 1:20 p.m. by motorists on the eastbound 60, just west of Gilman Springs Road, according to the California Highway Patrol.
According to the Riverside County Fire Department, multiple engine crews and at least one Cal Fire water-dropping helicopter were sent to the location and encountered flames moving at a slow rate across open space.
Crews stopped the brusher’s spread shortly after 2 p.m., and by 2:30 p.m., it was completely contained.
The Badlands, which encompasses a three- to four-mile stretch between Moreno Valley and Beaumont, is sparsely populated, with rugged, hilly terrain.
The CHP shut down the off-ramp to Gilman Springs from the eastbound 60 for public safety, diverting traffic. However, the ramp was reopened at 2:35 p.m.
The cause of the fire was under investigation.