Fire scorches several acres east of Hemet

HEMET (CNS) - A brush fire erupted on Friday, Oct. 4 on a hillside just east of Hemet, scorching about three acres before crews got it partially contained. The non-injury blaze was reported at 2:40 p.m. in the area of Highway 74 and Grant Avenue, according to the Riverside County Fire Department. Multiple engine crews were sent to the location and encountered flames burning upslope at a slow rate, according to reports from the scene. Two Cal Fire air tankers and a water-dropping helicopter from nearby Hemet-Ryan Airport were made runs on the blaze, suppressing the flames and enabling crews to make quick progress encircling it. The fire was expected to be fully contained by 4 p.m. The cause was under investigation.