Crews Make Progress On 126-Acre Fire East Of Temecula

AGUANGA, CA ? A brush fire that broke out Tuesday east of Temecula charred 126 acres and was 10% contained by nightfall.

The blaze, dubbed the Crossing Fire, erupted shortly after 1:30 p.m. and burned in the area of Pete's Crossing and Lower Ranch Road, just south of Highway 371, in Aguanga.

The fire forced evacuation orders in the rural area and destroyed one outbuilding, according to Cal Fire/Riverside County Fire Department.

As of 5:30 p.m., the agency announced evacuation orders were downgraded to warnings. An hour later, the warnings were lifted and evacuation centers closed.

"Fire crews continue to improve control lines around the fire," the agency reported Tuesday night after halting the blaze's spread.

Two firefighters were injured battling the blaze, and both were transported to a local area hospital with non-life-threatening minor injuries, the fire department announced.

No other injuries were immediately reported.

Earlier in the day, the fire department said, "Ground crews and aircraft remain actively engaged as firefighters work to contain the fire and protect nearby areas."

The California Highway Patrol received calls about the blaze from passing motorists.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.