A brush fire that erupted Monday in the hills west of Lake Elsinore blackened nearly 50 acres before crews began encircling it.
The non-injury blaze was reported about 1:50 p.m. along South Main Divide Road, near the Ortega (74) Highway, within the Cleveland National Forest, according to the Riverside County Fire Department.
The agency said 24 engine crews and four hand crews, numbering close to 200 personnel, were sent to the location and encountered flames in rugged terrain, prompting calls for air support.
Five Cal Fire air tankers and two helicopters were dispatched from Hemet-Ryan and San Bernardino International airports, and over the ensuing two hours, they made repeat runs on the fire.
The blaze was burning at a moderate rate and did not reach populated areas. By 6:30 p.m., some crews were being released from the fire, which was reportedly 5 to 10% contained.
Along with county personnel, firefighters from the U.S. Forest Service were on hand.
There was no word on how the blaze started.