Fire Erupts In Homeless Encampment Along Highway 74

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CA — A fire that erupted Monday in a homeless encampment adjacent to Highway 74 in Good Hope charred almost two acres and threatened the four-lane corridor before the flames were stopped.

The non-injury blaze was reported at 2:44 p.m. Monday in the area of eastbound Highway 74 and Dockery Lane, according to the Riverside County Fire Department.

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The agency said multiple engine crews were sent to the location and encountered flames moving at a slow rate across a debris field, bumping against the highway.

Firefighters quickly established hose lays, and just after 3 p.m., the fire's forward rate of spread was halted, according to officials at the scene.

Full containment was expected by 4 p.m.

There were initial requests for a closure of the highway over public safety concerns, but California Highway Patrol officers did not get a chance to implement the shutdown.

The blaze originated in the transient encampment, but fire personnel couldn't immediately identify the specific source.