Brush fire north of Homeland destroys structures, burns about 200 acres

HOMELAND, Calif. (KESQ) - A wind-driven brush fire that broke out today north of Homeland scorched nearly 200 acres and destroyed outbuildings and other structures before it was stopped.

The blaze was reported at 12:20 p.m. Tuesday on a hillside in the area of Juniper Springs and Juniper Flats roads, north of Highway 74, according to the Riverside County Fire Department.

The agency said multiple engine and hand crews from the county, Soboba Tribal Fire Department and Hemet Fire Department were sent to the location and encountered flames moving at a rapid rate through medium vegetation, with three to four homes in the direct path of the brusher.

Firefighters established a defensive perimeter and prevented the brusher from impacting occupied homes, but outbuildings and storage facilities in the area were consumed by the fire, according to reports from the scene. The exact number couldn't be confirmed.

Mandatory evacuations were implemented for properties scattered south and east of Juniper Springs Road. An evacuation warning was declared for the Panorama Cove Mobile Home Park at 32600 Highway 74.   

One firefighter suffered unspecified minor injuries and was reportedly taken to Inland Valley Medical Center in Wildomar for treatment.   

After a series of drops by Cal Fire air tankers and water-dropping helicopters, the brusher's forward rate of spread was halted at 3:40 p.m. Only one chopper remained overhead late Tuesday afternoon, making targeted drops. Evacuation orders were expected to be lifted by 6 p.m.

Sheriff's deputies closed a segment of Juniper Flats for public safety. Highway traffic was not affected.

The cause of the fire was under investigation.