A brush fire erupted Monday adjacent to Interstate 15 in Temescal Valley, quickly scorching almost 15 acres and threatening properties, as well as freeway traffic.
The non-injury blaze was reported at 11:40 a.m. Monday in the area of Mayhew and Temescal Canyon roads, near northbound I-15, according to the Riverside County Fire Department.
Multiple engine crews were sent to the location and encountered flames moving at a moderate rate in medium brush, according to the agency.
Three Cal Fire air tankers and a water-dropping helicopter were summoned and initiated runs on the brusher shortly after noon.
There were concerns the flames might jump I-15, and the fire department requested the California Highway Patrol to shut down all northbound lanes, but as of 12:30 p.m., no closures had been implemented.
At one point, the fire was spreading in the direction of homes and businesses, but crews established a defensive perimeter that prevented the flames from encroaching on them, according to reports from the scene.
No evacuation orders appeared imminent.
There was no immediate word on what might have triggered the blaze.