Fireworks likely sparked a small Fourth of July wildfire that blackened two acres in a remote area of Riverside, fire officials said Sunday.
The blaze was reported at 10:52 p.m. Saturday on a stretch of grassy open land at Valley and Misty Ridge drives, according to the Riverside City Fire Department.
Firefighters had a difficult time reaching the location of the fire, but managed to get the flames under control by 11:45 p.m.
“After investigation the fire cause is undetermined, but more than likely fireworks were the cause. There were numerous dispensed firework mortars in the immediate area of the fire,” Battalion Chief Bruce Vanderhorst said.
Witnesses also reported to fire investigators that they saw several people in off-road vehicles lighting fireworks in the area before the blaze started, fire officials said.