2nd Wildfire Ignites In Anza, Suspected 'Grow House' Burns: Cal Fire

ANZA, CA —A second fire ignited in Anza Friday, just a short distance from the Howard Fire that began earlier this week, Cal Fire/Riverside County Fire Department said.

Multiple crews battling from the 32-acre Howard Fire, burning to the northeast and held at 60 percent containment, were diverted to battle the new brusher, which was moving at a moderate rate to the north amid 10 mph winds.

Firefighters are fighting the blaze, which began in the area of Cave Rock Road and Windy Hill Lane, just east of the Cahuilla Indian Reservation, according to Cal Fire spokesperson Karina Espinoza.

In the second blaze, an outbuilding, possibly functioning as an indoor marijuana grow, was consumed before firefighters could deploy to establish a defensive perimeter, according to reports from the scene. No evacuations have been ordered, she said.

Just after 11:30 a.m., four Cal Fire air tankers and a water-dropping helicopter battled the small brusher, initiating a series of runs that slowed the fire down, according to fire officials.

No homes were immediately threatened, and there was no word on potential road closures. The cause of both fires was not immediately known.

The nearby Howard Fire was being held at 32 acres, and containment has reached 60 percent.

Fire authorities are not sure if the two fires are related.