Brush Fire In Mecca Forces Two Schools Into Lockdown

Cal Fire and Riverside County firefighters have fully contained a brush fire near the intersection of Dale Kiler Road and Avenue 65 on Wednesday.

The fire was reported at 10:45 a.m. and quickly spread to four acres, according to Melody Hendrickson with the Riverside County Fire Department.

Eighteen firefighters were battling the fire at one point. By 12:45 p.m., firefighters had 70 percent containment, and full containment was reached around 3:15 p.m. Crews spent the afternoon watching for hot spots.

Although there was eventually no threat to any nearby homes or structures, an apartment complex was evacuated by Riverside County Sheriff’s deputies as the fire crept too close for a short time. Saul Martinez and Mecca Elementary Schools were placed in lockdown due to the smoke and proximity of the fire.

There were no injuries.