ABC affiliate Channel 7 News published an article about the brush fire in Menifee by Scott Road (Sweetwater Canyon Rd)...

http://abclocal.go.com/kabc/story?section=local&id=5522880

They also have a news video.

Here are some progress reports from the Riverside County Fire Department...

• 1:53pm - 20-30 acres involved with heavy fuels and rapid rate of spread.



• 2:45pm - 50 acres burning in medium fuels with a moderate rate of spread. CHP has closed Scott Road between Sweetwater Canyon and Daily Road. No evacuations are in progress.



• 3:40pm - 100 acres burning with medium fuels, moderate rate of spread. Road closure still in effect between Sweetwater Canyon and Daily Road. Wind blowing 5-10 mph in a south/west direction. No structure damages.



• 4:25pm - Fire has increased in size from 100 to 125 acres with 10 percent containment. Road closures still in effect. American Medical Response is responding to the incident for firefighter with smoke inhalation.



• 4:45pm - 119 acres invovled with 10 percent containment. 90 percent of the structure threat has been mitigated. American Red Cross has opened a voluntary evacuation center at Elsinor High School, located at 21800 Canyon Drive X Orange in Wildomar. TB 897 B4 American Red Cross has also set-up a canteening area outside the fire area for residents that voluntarily evacuated.



• 7:11pm - Fire is approximately 40% contained. Two structures received minor exterior damage; a single family residence and one out-building.

UPDATE (Jul 30): The Fire Department posted another update, identifying the cause as "recreational shooting"...

**UPDATE 07/30/07 0800 hrs: Fire is 100% contained at approximately 200 acres. Full containement expexted today at 1800 hours. The cause is recreational shooting. Any suspicious persons or vehicles seen leaving the area are urged to call the Arson Hotline at (800) 633-2836. 12 engines, four fire crews, four water tender and one bulldozer are on day assignment at the incident to mop-up and patrol the burned area.

Labels: Fire