A brush fire that erupted Thursday on a hillside north of Moreno Valley charred nearly 20 acres before it was stopped.
The non-injury blaze was reported shortly before 1 p.m. Thursday in the area of Reche Canyon Road and Smiley Boulevard, according to the Riverside County Fire Department.
The agency said that 22 engine crews and five hand crews, numbering more than 150 personnel, were sent to the location and encountered flames moving at a moderate rate across rugged terrain.
Three Cal Fire air tankers and two water-dropping helicopters initiated runs on the brusher around 1:30 p.m., slowing its progress and enabling crews to establish tentative containment lines.
At 3 p.m., the forward rate of spread was halted, and the brusher was 15% contained, according to officials.
Evacuation warnings were issued for properties north of Ironwood Avenue, south of Locust Avenue, east of Nason Street and west of Highland Boulevard.
A care and reception center was set up at Valley View High School, 13135 Sun St., in Moreno Valley.
The cause of the fire was under investigation.