Gilman Fire 100 Percent Contained, Highway 60 Back Open

Riverside County firefighters fully contained a vegetation fire burning near Moreno Valley on Sunday night after battling it for most of the weekend.

Full containment was reached by 6 p.m. on Sunday, according to spokeswoman Cheri Patterson.

Crews worked overnight Saturday to contain the blaze, that has already burned some 945 acres in the unincorporated San Timoteo Badlands.

The California Highway Patrol reopened all lanes along the 60 freeway on Sunday, after a two-mile stretch of the freeway was closed, while firefighters battled the flames.

The Gilman Fire started east of state Route 60 near Gilman Springs Road about 4 p.m. Saturday, said Patterson.

“It’s burning in a remote area, so there are no structures threatened,” she said, adding that rescuers were fighting the fast-moving fire from both the air and ground.

Cal Fire, U.S. Forest Service and Riverside County fire crews worked together to try and keep the fire from spreading any farther.

At least two helicopters, two air tankers, and 200 firefighters were assigned to help out in the fight.

In the intense heat, often reaching more than 105-degrees, several firefighters were treated for smoke inhalation, but none for heat exhaustion.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.