A brush fire erupted Friday just east of Temecula, quickly scorching three acres and approaching Highway 79 in the immediate vicinity of homes, prompting Cal Fire aircraft to initiate a series of runs to slow the brusher’s advance.
The non-injury blaze was reported just before 3 p.m. Friday in the area of Morgan Hill Drive and Coppola Street, along Temecula Creek, according to the Riverside County Fire Department.
The agency said that multiple engine crews were sent to the location and encountered wind-driven flames moving northeast at a moderate rate.
Two Cal Fire air tankers and a water-dropping helicopter immediately initiated drops to prevent the brusher from jumping Highway 79, which California Highway Patrol officers and sheriff’s deputies were leaving open as of 3:30 p.m.
Firefighters were working to close the blaze’s eastern flank and were making progress with hose lays, according to reports from the scene.
No evacuation orders or warnings appeared imminent.
There was no immediate word regarding how the fire might have started.