Evacuations Called Off After Weekend Fire Near Hemet

Riverside County firefighters were mopping up today at the site of a 45-acre brush fire in the Homeland area that briefly threatened homes.

The fire was reported at 6:48 p.m. Sunday near Allen Avenue and Guthridge Lane, between Perris and Hemet, according to fire Capt. Fernando Herrera.

There were no reports of injuries or property damage. The fire did approach a dozen homes, prompting sheriff’s deputies to briefly evacuate the residents, Herrera said.

Nearly 200 firefighters battled the blaze, lighting backfires to hasten containment, Herrera said.

He said two air tankers and two water-dropping helicopters supported ground personnel until nightfall.

The fire was declared fully contained by 10 p.m. Sunday.

Two engine crews will remain at the site until tonight to shore up containment lines and ensure there aren’t any flare-ups, according to fire department spokeswoman Jody Hagemann.