Blaze Threatens Homes Near Santa Ana River Bottom

RIVERSIDE, CA — A wind-driven wildfire broke out Monday in the Santa Ana River bottom in Riverside, quickly charring five acres and threatening multiple homes before crews slowed it down.

The non-injury brusher was reported about 12:30 p.m. in dry vegetation just north of Julian Drive and west of Crest Avenue, according to the Riverside Fire Department.

Evacuations were ordered for an unspecified number of residences along Julian, as well as on Idyllwild Lane, Hershey Way and Alta Loma Way, as flames swelled in 25 mph Santa Ana winds, which were gusting to 40 mph, according to reports from the scene.

American Red Cross workers were summoned to assist with finding temporary shelter for the evacuees.

Riverside County Fire Department personnel joined city firefighters in working to encircle the blaze, and two water-dropping helicopters were sent to make drops.

By 1:30 p.m., the forward rate of spread had been stopped, but there was no word on containment.

The cause of the fire was not immediately known.

Smoke from a fire spotted, west of the Airport. Possibly Santa Ana River bottom? @CAL_FIRE pic.twitter.com/xOeQAiJHRK
— Riverside Airport ✈ (@AirportKRAL) December 4, 2017

— By City News Service / Patch file photo by Renee Schiavone