The engine compartment on a freight train caught fire Wednesday on tracks north of Moreno Valley, leading to an acre-wide blaze that prompted a full closure of the rail line.
The non-injury fire was reported at 3:45 p.m. along Union Pacific Railroad tracks near the intersection of Live Oak Canyon and San Timoteo Canyon roads, in an area of rugged terrain known as the Badlands, according to the Riverside County Fire Department.
The agency said multiple engine crews and a Cal Fire water-dropping helicopter were sent to the location and encountered flames around the front of the freighter, extending into surrounding vegetation.
Crews aboard the train were able to extinguish the engine fire, leaving the brush fire to county fire personnel, according to reports from the scene.
Firefighters established hose lays across the tracks, which were completely shut down in both directions shortly before 4 p.m.
By 4:25 p.m., the vegetation fire was completely contained. Just over an acre was charred, officials said.
Crews were expected to continue mopping up until 6 p.m.
The railroad was handling the investigation. The tracks were expected to reopen before nightfall.