Riverside County fire investigators Friday were attempting to identify the ignition source for a blaze on the west end of Moreno Valley that destroyed two houses and damaged two others, displacing nine people and leaving two firefighters with minor injuries.
The fire was reported shortly after 5 p.m. Thursday in the 13400 block of Edgemont Street, near Cottonwood Avenue and less than a quarter-mile east of Interstate 215, according to the Riverside County Fire Department.
The agency stated that multiple engine crews from the county, as well as the Riverside Fire Department and Hemet Fire Department, went to the location, encountering flames raging around one structure, extending to three others.
All of the occupants had safely evacuated by the time firefighters arrived.
Hose lays were soon established, and roughly 90 minutes later, the blaze was completely contained.
A fire captain and another crewman suffered from smoke exposure and related complications. They were taken to nearby Riverside University Medical Center for treatment. Both were released and were recovering Friday.
According to the fire department, the blaze tore through two single-story houses and caused significant damage to two others. Six adults and three children were displaced. Red Cross personnel were requested to assist them with finding temporary alternate lodgings.
Power lines collapsed onto Edgemont because of the fire, prompting sheriff’s deputies to shut down the roadway most of Thursday night.
Crews spent part of the night mopping up at the site.
Fire investigators were working on Friday to isolate the exact cause of the blaze.
There was no word on when the investigation might be completed.