Fire crews battling brush fire in Riverside County

About 200 firefighters were battling a 15-acre brush fire Thursday night in Riverside County that was threatening about a half-dozen homes, authorities said.

The fire, which broke out about 7:45 p.m., was burning in heavy brush on ridge tops in Wildomar on Coral Rock Drive south of Lake Elsinore, the Riverside County Fire Department said.

"We are asking residents to remain prepared" in case evacuations are ordered, department spokeswoman Cheri Patterson said. Deputies from the Riverside County Sheriff's Department were on standby in case evacuations were to be ordered.

Hand crews were cutting lines around the blaze's perimeter as firefighters used hose lines to douse flames.

-- Robert J. Lopez

Photo: The brush fire had consumed 15 acres by late Thursday. Credit: KTLA