Hot spots around a residential property south of Hemet that was destroyed in a fire prompted crews to return to the location Wednesday to resume mopping up, while an investigation continued into what might have triggered the blaze.
The non-injury fire broke out shortly before 6 p.m. Tuesday at a single-story residence in the 27000 block of Ramona Bowl Road, near Columbia Street, less than a mile from the Ramona Bowl Amphitheatre, according to the Riverside County Fire Department.
The agency said that reports of flare-ups within the burn area at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday resulted in two engine crews going back to the location to conduct further mop-up operations, which were expected to conclude in the afternoon hours.
The blaze originated in the crawl space beneath the house, but when engine and truck crews reached the property late Tuesday afternoon, flames were raging throughout the structure, extending into the attic, according to the fire department.
The four men and one woman occupying the home escaped uninjured.
Officials said the roof collapsed, but no firefighters were hurt. They fully contained the blaze at 8:40 p.m. and spent most of the night mopping up.
Red Cross personnel were requested to assist the five occupants of the property with finding temporary alternate lodgings.