Wildfire scorches 80 acres near Aguanga

AGUANGA - A fire that broke out today near Aguanga blackened roughly 80 acres but posed no threat to homes or other structures in the area.

The non-injury blaze near Sabina Drive and Ballinger Road, about eight miles south of Hemet, was reported at 10:47 a.m., according to the Riverside County Fire Department.

By noon, the fire had expanded to 60 acres, and by 5 p.m., it had reached 80 acres, but ''all forward progress was stopped,'' said Riverside County Fire Department Capt. Dan Harris.

Harris anticipated full containment by midnight.

A dozen engine crews, several water tender crews and two to three inmate hand crews -- altogether numbering around 130 personnel -- were working their way around the fire, Harris said.

Earlier in the day, six air tankers and three water-dropping helicopters were making runs on the blaze, but Harris said the air resources were sent home after the flames died down.

The cause of the fire was under investigation.

Wildfire scorches 60 acres near Aguanga

AGUANGA - A fire that broke out today near Aguanga spread to 60 acres within an hour but posed no immediate danger to homes in the area.

The non-injury blaze near Sabina Drive and Ballinger Road, about eight miles south of Hemet, was reported at 10:47 a.m., according to the Riverside County Fire Department.

By noon, the brusher had expanded to 60 acres, with zero containment, a fire department spokeswoman said.

Thirty-three engine companies and seven inmate hand crews, numbering around 225 fire personnel, were working to surround the blaze, with the assistance of six air tankers and three water-dropping helicopters.

The cause of the fire was not immediately known.