A wildfire erupted Monday on the south edge of Banning, quickly scorching roughly three acres before firefighters got to the scene.
It was unclear what triggered the non-injury blaze, which was reported at 12:30 p.m. near the intersection of Westward and San Gorgonio avenues, just south of Interstate 10.
The Riverside County Fire Department reported that multiple engine crews were sent to the location and encountered flames moving in a westerly direction, at a moderate clip, not immediately threatening any homes or other structures.
Cal Fire water-dropping helicopters and air tankers were requested to make runs on the blaze as it spread into thicker vegetation.
A fire captain at the scene said the brusher could expand to 100 acres, but only if the aircraft failed to slow it down.