Wildfire Scorches Land Off Temescal Canyon, Near Interstate 15

LAKE MATHEWS, CA — A brush fire that broke out Monday near Lake Mathews consumed about 35 acres, caused a firefighter to suffer heatstroke and prompted a road closure but did not damage homes or other structures.

The so-called Terra Fire was reported about 2:15 p.m. in the area of Temescal Canyon and Terramor roads, just southwest of the lake and east of Interstate 15, according to the Riverside County Fire Department.

An agency spokeswoman said multiple county engine and hand crews deployed to the brusher, aided by Corona Fire Department personnel.

With the help of air tankers and water-dropping helicopters from Hemet- Ryan Airport, the fire's forward rate of spread was halted by 4 p.m., and the blaze was 75 percent contained by about 6:45 p.m. with 35 acres burned, the Riverside County Fire Department.

A fire captain fell ill from heat exhaustion and was taken to Corona Regional Medical Center for treatment. He was in stable condition and not expected to remain hospitalized overnight, according to a battalion chief.

The fire approached buildings in the 24800 block of Terramor, but none were impacted.

Sheriff's deputies and California Highway Patrol officers shut down Terramor between Temescal and Crestley Drive for public safety and to give emergency crews freedom to move.

Firefighters were contending with triple-digit heat and light winds, but the fire was predicted to be under control by later in the night.

There was no word on what triggered the blaze.

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