A brush fire that erupted Monday in Mead Valley scorched nearly 20 acres within an hour and threatened properties as Cal Fire air tankers initiated runs on the blaze.
The non-injury Juniper Fire was reported at 11:20 a.m. in the area of Ann Way and Juniper Road, according to the Riverside County Fire Department.
The agency said multiple engine and hand crews were sent to the location, encountering flames moving at a moderate rate amid light brush to the south.
Two Cal Fire air tankers arrived just before noon and began making runs on the brusher as it pushed toward several homes along Idaleona Road.
Two additional tankers were summoned, along with at least one water-dropping helicopter, according to officials at the scene.
As of 12:10 p.m., crews were establishing defensive perimeters around the scattered homes in the path of the blaze.
Road closures were likely to be implemented, and evacuation warnings appeared imminent.
There was no immediate word regarding what might have triggered the fire.