Inland Empire fire threatens to spread as another is contained

Heat and 20-mph winds whipped a couple of small brush fires near Temecula into a blaze that destroyed 100 acres and threatened to spread and consume 10 times as much acreage, authorities said today.

The blaze in steep slopes between De Luz and Temecula was only 10% contained by late afternoon and conditions made it unpredictable, said Jody Hagemann, a spokeswoman for the Riverside County Fire Department.

“It depends on the weather cooperating," she said. "With the heat and wind, there’s potential for 1,000 acres” being burned.

More than 350 firefighters were on the scene and dense smoke covered the entire French Valley, forcing some late afternoon road closures. By evening, the fire was burning in the direction of Murrieta.

Several commercial properties in the area were evacuated but no homes were threatened, Hagemann said. The cause of the fire was under investigation.

Another Riverside County wildfire, near Quail Ranch Golf Course, burned 75 acres and drew more than 150 firefighters before it was fully contained by midafternoon.

—Carol J. Williams

Comments

[Norm Silver]

The wildland fire season is here and now we all have to support our firefighters who will be working long hard days to keep these fires in check. With the Fourth weekend approaching the fire works users please be careful. Our firefighters don't need a lot of extra work due to thoughtlessness or careless acts.