UPDATED: Fire Erupts Along 71 Freeway, Burns Hillside

CORONA, CA - A car fire ignited a hillside along the Corona (71) Expressway in the Prado Flood Control Basin Thursday, scorching just under two acres in high winds before crews got it partially contained.

The non-injury blaze was reported at 11:53 a.m. just north of the interchange for the 71 and the Riverside (91) Freeway, according to the Riverside County Fire Department.

Fourteen engine crews and three hand crews -- more than 100 fire personnel -- from the county, the city of Corona and the city of Ontario were sent to the fire, which remained well clear of any structures.

A water-dropping helicopter made drops on the blaze, but air tankers initially headed to the location were turned back as the flames ran out of fuel in a quarry, according to reports from the scene.

By 1:30 p.m., the fire was 50 percent contained, and many personnel had cleared the area, returning to their stations.

The California Highway Patrol partially shut down the southbound side of the 71 for nearly an hour to accommodate emergency personnel, snarling traffic for miles.

Full containment on the fire was expected before nightfall.

– By City News Service / Image via Shutterstock