Brush Fire in Mead Valley Threatens Homes, Partial Containment Achieved

MEAD VALLEY, California — A brush fire erupted Wednesday, scorching about 50 acres and threatening homes before crews managed to partially contain it with aerial support.

The non-injury blaze was first reported at 5:20 p.m. near Rider Street and Seaton Avenue, just west of Interstate 215, according to the Riverside County Fire Department.

Responders included multiple engine and hand crews from Riverside County, the city of Riverside, and the U.S. Bureau of Land Management. The crews faced flames spreading at a moderate rate through medium brush, moving in a westerly direction.

To combat the fire, four Cal Fire air tankers and two helicopters were deployed. They began aerial operations shortly before 6 p.m., significantly slowing the fire’s progress and allowing ground crews to establish a partial containment line.

Mandatory evacuations and warnings were issued for residents along Old Elsinore Road, while sheriff’s deputies closed several nearby streets to ensure safety.

As of 6:30 p.m., all fixed-wing aircraft had left the scene, though one helicopter continued to assist with targeted water drops. Fire officials anticipated full containment during the overnight hours or early Thursday morning.

The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.