A 10-acre fire that erupted in a homeless encampment on the far east end of Riverside, near Box Springs Mountain Reserve Park, was knocked down Wednesday, with no structural damage or injuries reported.
The non-injury blaze was reported about 11:25 p.m. Tuesday on Marlborough Avenue, near Iowa Avenue.
“The fire started at the base of the mountain in a homeless encampment,” said Riverside Fire Department Battalion Chief Jeff DeLaurie. “The fire was likely started by a cooking or warming fire, but the exact cause could not be determined after investigation.”
The area, which borders Highgrove and Grand Terrace, is dotted with transient camps. A fire of similar size broke out in the same general location less than two weeks ago.
DeLaurie said eight engine crews were sent to the location, joined by multiple engine crews from the Riverside County Fire Department, and initially encountered flames moving along a hillside. One residence was threatened, but firefighters kept the flames at bay, DeLaurie said.
He said firefighters completely encircled the fire in just under three hours and were mopping up before daybreak.