Wildfire Burns in the Mountain Area’s Around Anza

Firefighters are battling a vegetation fire that charred at least 50 acres Wednesday afternoon in the rural community of Anza, fire officials said. At least 120 firefighters, five air tankers and four helicopters battled the blaze, which was reported at 2:20 p.m. at Benton Way and Crams Corner Drive about a mile north of State Route 371, said Jody Hagemann of Riverside County Fire Department. Anza is about halfway between Temecula and Palm Desert. The first firefighters to arrive encountered a well-established column of smoke. While firefighters on the ground worked the blaze, air units coordinated to surround it. The U.S. Forest Service, Riverside County Fire Emergency Management Department and Cal Fire San Diego are assisting in the fight. Firefighters faced 89-degree heat, with winds of 6 mile per hour and gusts of 17 mph. Update 10:15 p.m. Fire now 75% contained and 63 acres. Engine crews will remain on the fire overnight. Five engines, two hand crews and four water tenders are assigned for tomorrow, 7/5/2018. Update 7:30 p.m.: Fire remains 63 acres and is now 75% contained. All aircraft released. Update 5:20 p.m. The fire is 63 acres and 50% contained. Update 4:55 p.m. Forward spread stopped. Resources will remain on scene as they work to fully containe and control the fire. No injuries reported. Update 3:30 p.m. :Fire is now 50 acres (unmapped). Update 3:00 p.m. Fire is now 30 acres. CAL FIRE/Riverside County and USFS BDF Firefighters are on scene of a wildland fire near Benton Road and Crams Corner Drive in Anza. The fire is approximately 15 acres burning at a critical rate. Updates will be posted as information becomes available.