A brush fire that erupted Thursday south of Highway 371 in Anza charred over 40 acres and prompted closure of the highway before the blaze was stopped.
The non-injury fire was reported at 10:07 a.m. Thursday in the area of Burnt Valley and Kirby roads, according to the Riverside County Fire Department.
The agency said that multiple engine and hand crews were sent to the location and encountered flames moving at a moderate rate to the northwest — directly toward the 371.
Four Cal Fire air tankers and three water-dropping helicopters initiated runs on the brusher at 10:35 a.m.
The forward rate of spread was halted by 11:45 a.m., and crews had established hose lays around most of the brusher a short time later.
It was approaching 50% contained by 5:30 p.m. Thursday, with full containment expected during the night.
No homes or other structures were threatened in the sparsely populated area.
The flames jumped the two-lane highway shortly before 11 a.m., prompting California Highway Patrol officers to shut down both sides of the corridor between Kirby and Terwilliger roads for public safety.
The highway was completely reopened by 2:30 p.m.
The cause of the fire was under investigation. The Anza Valley has been ground zero for unexplained wildfires every summer for the last decade.