Murrieta Brush Fire Injures Firefighter; 100% Contained

MURRIETA, CA -- A brush fire erupted Sunday afternoon outside of Murrieta, injuring one firefighter and greatly impacting traffic on a nearby freeway. The fire was reported at 3:53 p.m. near Interstate 215 and Scott Road, according to the Riverside County Fire Department.

By 11:15 p.m., the fire, which was at Scenic View Drive and Keller Road near the Loma Linda University Medical Center, grew to 9.5 acres but was 100 percent contained, according to the Riverside County Fire Department.

Fire officials said one firefighter was injured in the blaze and was transported to a nearby hospital for a non-life threatening injury.

The fire burned across medium brush, prompting the response of 90 firefighters and 13 engines.

The blaze slowed traffic in the area as crews used a freeway lane to access the fire. The California Highway Patrol said one lane was closed from Scott Road to Loma Linda.

--Photos courtesy of Joe Fanaselle