Horse Rescued In La Cresta Barn Fire

LA CRESTA, CA — A barn fire that erupted Monday in La Cresta sent smoke across the unincorporated Murrieta community as neighbors flocked to help.

The fully-involved blaze in the two-story barn was reported just after 12 p.m. in the 38400 block of Avenida Bonita, according to Cal Fire/Riverside County Fire Department.

Neighbors, who arrived on scene before crews, were able to rescue a horse from the flames. There were no other horses or livestock in the structure, according to bystanders.

Neighbors were concerned that a dog may have been in an apartment above the barn; Cal Fire/Riverside County Fire Department spokeswoman Jody Hagemann said the agency could not confirm whether the animal was in the blaze due to the extent of damage to the structure.

There were no reports of injuries to humans.

In addition to Cal Fire/Riverside County Fire Department, Murrieta Fire & Rescue was also on scene.

The fire contained was at 1:16 p.m. and crews were remained on scene for over an hour. Southern California Edison was also at the site. Crews were called back at 6:11 p.m. due to hot spots.

The property address shows it is the site of La Bonita Ranch, which hosts weddings. The La Cresta Property Owner's association does not permit wedding venues under its "nuisance and noise" rule; additionally, the county does not permit wedding venues in residential areas.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.