A brush fire broke out Monday north of San Jacinto, scorching about seven acres within an hour but not immediately threatening homes or other structures.
The non-injury blaze was reported about 12:15 p.m. along Gilman Springs Road, just west of Highway 79, according to the Riverside County Fire Department.
Multiple engine crews were sent to the location, along with several Cal Fire water-dropping helicopters and air tankers, encountering flames burning in open terrain.
By 12:45 p.m., the brusher had expanded amid light winds, but crews were making progress slowing it down thanks to the air drops, according to reports from the scene.
The California Highway Patrol shut down westbound lanes on Gilman Springs at the Highway 79 juncture for public safety.
The cause of the fire was under investigation.