Vehicle fire spreads to vegetation, burning more than 20 acres south of Banning; HWY 243 back open

BANNING (CNS) - A vehicle fire sparked in the hills south of Banning charred 23 acres at the foot of the San Bernardino National Forest before it was stopped Monday afternoon.

The non-injury blaze was reported just after noon Monday in the area of Mt. Edna Road and Highway 243, according to the Riverside County Fire Department.

The agency said that multiple engine and hand crews were sent to the location, joined by four Cal Fire air tankers and two water-dropping helicopters that initiated runs on the brusher at 12:30 p.m.

No homes or other structures were damaged, and no evacuation orders were implemented.

However, just after 2 p.m., California Highway Patrol officers shut down both sides of Highway 243 for public safety, mainly due to the number of fire department vehicles and personnel packed onto the two-lane corridor. Officials said the highway is expected to remain closed until 8 p.m.

A SigAlert was issued because of the closure. Highway 243 was reopened just before 7 p.m.

As of 2:30 p.m., with the fire's forward rate of spread stopped, all air tankers had cleared the area, leaving only the choppers to make targeted drops, according to reports from the scene.
Crews were working to strengthen containment lines, but full containment of the blaze was not expected Monday afternoon.

The incident was initially reported as a vehicle over the side near Highway 243 and Mount Edna Road, according to CAL FIRE. The vehicle caught fire, which extended into the surrounding vegetation. One bystander climbed down into the rocky terrain and pulled an occupant from the vehicle.

The patient was then transported by ground ambulance to a local hospital with moderate injuries.

The cause of the fire was under investigation.