A brush fire that erupted today on the east end of Anza charred an estimated 122 acres, approaching the San Bernardino National Forest, before it was stopped.
The non-injury Kirby Fire was reported at 12:35 p.m. in the area of Highway 371 and Kirby Road, in a field on the north side of Anza Electric Co-Op, according to the Riverside County Fire Department.
Multiple engine and hand crews from the county and U.S. Forest Service were sent to the location and encountered flames moving at a moderate rate to the north in medium vegetation.
By 4:00 p.m., the fire was 80% contained, officials said.
Four Cal Fire air tankers and a water-dropping helicopter initiated runs on the brusher just after 1 p.m., preventing the flames from jumping dirt and paved roads.
The fire’s forward rate of spread was stopped at 2 p.m., after which all Cal Fire aircraft ceased operations and returned to Hemet-Ryan Airport. Full containment was expected overnight.
Sheriff’s deputies and California Highway Patrol officers shut down Kirby at the highway for public safety.