Chico Fire: Firefighters contain blaze that scorched hills south of Lake Mathews
RIVERSIDE COUNTY, Calif. - A brush fire erupted on Monday southeast of Lake Mathews in Riverside County and scorched 25 acres before firefighters fully contained the blaze Tuesday night.
The blaze broke out for unknown reasons at about 1:35 p.m. Monday in the area of Gavilan Road and Bonita Drive, according to the Riverside County Fire Department.
Eight engine crews and two hand crews were sent to the location and encountered flames moving to the east at a moderate clip. At least two Cal Fire air tankers and a water-dropping helicopter were summoned and immediately initiated runs on the blaze, preventing it from reaching residences within the mobile home park just north of Idaleona Road.
According to fire officials, evacuation orders were in place for residents east of Gavilan Road, south of Esperanza Drive, west of Piedras Street and north of Idaleona Road.
About two dozen properties were impacted. However, the evacuation order was lifted at 5 p.m. Monday night.
One firefighter suffered a non-life-threatening injury, but the circumstances weren't immediately known.
California Highway Patrol officers shut down Gavilan from Cajalco Road to Idaleona for public safety.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
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