A brush fire that broke out in Meadowbrook charred 183 acres on hillsides north of Highway 74, authorities said Saturday.
The blaze was 75% contained as of Saturday morning, Cal Fire reported.
“Firefighters will continue to patrol hot spots and strengthen containment lines today,” officials said. “Please avoid the area to allow firefighters the space they need for their equipment.”
The non-injury blaze was reported at 4:20 p.m. Friday in the area of Vista and Telford avenues, according to the Riverside County Fire Department.
The agency said multiple engine and hand crews from the county, Corona Fire Department, Murrieta Fire & Rescue and other agencies were sent to the location and encountered flames moving at a moderate rate along low-lying hills west of homes scattered throughout the area.
At least four Cal Fire air tankers and two water-dropping helicopters initiated runs on the brusher at 4:40 p.m., enabling crews to establish tentative containment lines on the west and north sides of the brusher. As of 5:40 p.m., the blaze was mapped at 141 acres.
Flames were advancing to the southeast, and firefighters were concerned that the blaze might impact Highway 74. However, due to the aircraft drops and quick work of bulldozer operators, firefighters were able to make major progress encircling the brusher, according to officials at the scene.
Sheriff’s deputies implemented closures on nearby dirt roads because off-road vehicles were interfering with operations.
The cause of the fire wasn’t immediately known.