Late Night Blaze Forces Motel Guests Out

Riverside County firefighters need 70 minutes to knock down a greater-alarm fire in a Temecula motel this morning, a fire department spokeswoman said.

The blaze inside the Rancho California Inn, in the 41000 block of Moreno Road was reported at 12:35 a.m. today, said Riverside County Fire Department spokeswoman Jody Hagemann.

“The first arriving engine company reported a two-story motel with active fire established on the second floor,” Hagemann said.

They called for additional units, and went into a defensive suppression mode, she said.

Some 58 firefighters from two truck companies and 15 engines battled the blaze, which was declared contained at 1:45 a.m., Hagemann said.

No injuries were reported. Six adults who were displaced were being assisted by the American Red Cross, she said.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.