Brush fires in Temecula, Pala test firefighters, travelers, residents

The recent brush fires in Temecula and Pala tested hundreds of firefighters and created havoc for travelers and residents.

The Temecula fire started at approximately 11:40 a.m. Saturday, June 4, along the southbound side of Interstate 15 near Temecula Parkway, just north of the Border Patrol checkpoint.

The fire prompted the closure of all southbound lanes of I-15 at Temecula Parkway, backing up traffic for miles. One lane of northbound I-15 was closed and thick smoke made driving conditions for northbound motorists perilous, slowing traffic dramatically. It wasn't until after 4 p.m. that the...