MECCA (CNS) - A brush fire broke out today in Mecca, blackening 30 acres in fewer than two hours and causing the evacuation of homes as firefighters battled the blaze.
The non-injury blaze was reported at 2:10 p.m. in the area of Avenue 68 and Lincoln Street, according to the Riverside County Fire Department.
Some homes were evacuated with the assistance of the Riverside County Sheriff's Department, officials tweeted. Deputy Robyn Flores was unable to provide a specific number of evacuations.
In addition to the evacuations, CHP closed down Lincoln Street from Avenue 68 to Avenue 70.
An agency spokeswoman said that a helicopter along with 18 engine crews, three water tender crews and a bulldozer operator -- numbering about 70 personnel -- were sent to the location and encountered flames in palm trees and surrounding brush.
Winds were blowing about 10 mph from the north, according to area weather reports.
There was no word on what triggered the fire.
2019-03-15 23:51:43