Hemet Brush Fire Contained After Threatening Seven Hills Community

HEMET, Calif. — Firefighters contained a fast-moving brush fire in Hemet on Monday night after battling flames that threatened a nearby community, authorities said. The Chambers Fire, which burned approximately 119 acres, was first reported around 6:10 p.m. near Chambers Street and Gilbert Street.

Ground crews and fire dozers worked to halt the fire’s progress as it moved toward Domenigoni Parkway. By 7:30 p.m., firefighters stopped the flames from spreading further, preventing damage to structures in the Seven Hills community. One firefighter sustained a minor injury during the operation, according to Hemet Fire Department Captain Laura Axcell.

Southern California was under a red flag warning at the time due to strong winds and dry conditions. The National Weather Service reported winds between 25 to 40 mph, with gusts reaching up to 60 mph, heightening fire danger.

Initial efforts involved five fire engines, with an additional five responding later as firefighters requested more resources. Aerial footage from SkyCal showed hand crews dousing flames just feet ahead of a fire dozer working to contain the blaze.

Axcell noted that the fire had been pushing uphill and was beginning to threaten the Seven Hills neighborhood before crews halted its progress. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.