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.

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.