Beaumont brush fire grows [Updated]

A brush fire burning south of Beaumont grew to 1,100 acres Tuesday evening, and transportation officials anticipated closing part of State Route 79 because of the blaze.

[Updated at 7:09 p.m.: The fire had grown to 2,000 acres as of 6:40 p.m., fire officials reported].

The fire began around 1:20 p.m. near Potrero Road and the Wolfskill Extension Truck Trail, and spread west, driven by winds.

The fire is not threatening any structures, but officials from the California Department of Transportation said they may close State Route 79 between Gilman Springs and 1st Street as the fire spreads. 

Two hundred eighty firefighters from Cal FIRE/Riverside County Fire Department were battling the blaze. No injuries have been reported.

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-- Abby Sewell