A brush fire that broke out Wednesday just east of Lake Mathews charred roughly three acres before Cal Fire aircraft slowed its advance, enabling crews to begin encircling the blaze.
The non-injury fire was reported shortly before noon Wednesday in the area of Cajalco and Wood roads, according to the Riverside County Fire Department.
The agency said multiple engine and hand crews were sent to the location and encountered flames moving at a slow rate in medium brush, not in the immediate vicinity of any homes or other structures.
Two Cal Fire air tankers and a water-dropping helicopter were summoned and initiated runs on the brusher at 12:15 p.m., significantly slowing its advance and enabling firefighters to establish tentative containment lines around most of the burn area.
No evacuation orders or warnings were issued.
There was no immediate word on what might have triggered the brusher.