A brush fire that erupted just south of Diamond Valley Lake in Winchester Thursday afternoon charred more than 1,200 acres, destroyed an outbuilding and threatened multiple residences as crews attempted to encircle it.
The non-injury blaze was reported at 2:20 p.m. in the 34000 block of Rawson Road, near Patterson Street, according to the Riverside County Fire Department.
A vacant storage building was consumed by the brusher, which approached six homes along Hidden Falls and Vista roads, prompting emergency officials to order that all of the properties be evacuated, according to the fire department.
By about 7:20 p.m., the blaze had scorched 1,261 acres and was 40 percent contained.
Fire department spokeswoman Tawny Cabral said 100 firefighters were battling the blaze, including 23 engine crews and four hand crews, seven air tankers and three helicopters.
Crews initially encountered fast-moving flames amid light to moderate winds.
Firefighters from the Riverside and Hemet fire departments, March Air Reserve Base Fire Department, Murrieta Fire Protection District and Orange County Fire Authority were sent to assist in battling the blaze.
There was no word on what triggered the blaze.