Firefighters Stop Spread Of Badlands Fire Near Beaumont

BEAUMONT, CA — A brush fire likely started by construction equipment alongside the Moreno Valley (60) Freeway near Beaumont Friday quickly spread to four acres and prompted a temporary closure of the freeway, officials report.

A backhoe being used to dig in a construction zone sparked the non- injury blaze, which was reported at 12:55 p.m. adjacent to the westbound 60 at Jack Rabbit Trail, in a sparsely populated, rugged area known as the Badlands, according to the California Highway Patrol and Riverside County Fire Department.

Caltrans said the blaze blocked all lanes of the freeway for nearly an hour. Connector ramps from Interstate 10 to the 60 were closed in Beaumont, as well.

However, the fire department reported at 2 p.m. that roadway was being reopened. Motorists should still expect delays, as traffic reports indicated major congestion.

Multiple engine crews were sent to the location, and a battalion chief immediately requested the closure of the westbound side of the freeway for public safety. California Highway Patrol officers began turning all traffic coming out of Beaumont back toward the city.

Two Cal Fire air tankers were summoned to make drops on the brusher, which officials feared could expand to over 100 acres. Dozens of firefighters made quick work of the blaze, stopping the forward spread by 2 p.m. Crews were expected to stay at the scene until around 6 p.m.

The area where the fire broke out is under construction as the State Route 60 Truck Lanes Project advances.

SEE ALSO: 6-Month Badlands Closure Begins Between Beaumont, MoVal

— City News Service contributed to this report