Cluster Of Spot Fires Reported In Badlands; House Burns In Moreno Valley

MORENO VALLEY, CA — Fires broke out Monday in and near Moreno Valley, but there were no injuries reported.

A cluster of spot fires broke out in the afternoon along Union Pacific Railroad tracks northeast of Moreno Valley, altogether scorching about three acres before crews began encircling them.

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The non-injury blazes were reported at 3:25 p.m. Monday in the area of San Timoteo Canyon Road and Redlands Boulevard, in a sparsely populated area known as the Badlands, according to the Riverside County Fire Department.

The agency said multiple engine crews from the county and Calimesa Fire Department were sent to the location and encountered a total of five fires, each about a quarter-acre in size.

A Cal Fire air tanker and a water-dropping helicopter made runs on the blazes, but only the helicopter remained to make targeted drops after 4 p.m., according to reports from the scene.

Rail traffic was stopped going both east- and westbound because hoses had been laid across the tracks.

No evacuation orders or road closures were required.

There was no immediate word on what might have ignited the fires.

Separately, a fire that erupted Monday in a Moreno Valley residence caused significant damage, displacing the four occupants, none of whom suffered injuries.

The blaze was reported at 2:45 p.m. in the 12000 block of Brixton Court, at the end of a cul de sac just off of Sheffield Drive, according to the Riverside County Fire Department.

Multiple engine crews were sent to the location, encountering smoke and flames on the upper floor of the two-story property.

The two adults and two children inside the house evacuated safely prior to crews' arrival, fire officials said.

Firefighters confined the blaze to the master bedroom, gaining the upper hand within 20 minutes.

The cause of the fire was under investigation.

Red Cross personnel were requested to assist the family with finding temporary alternate lodgings.