Vineyards Spared In Temecula Wine Country Fire

TEMECULA, CA — A brush fire broke out Monday in Temecula Valley Wine Country, burning roughly 1.5 acres between roads before Cal Fire air tankers brought it to a standstill.

The non-injury "Vino Fire" was reported at 10:28 a.m. in the area of Camino Del Vino and Summit Circle, according to Cal Fire/Riverside County Fire Department.

The agency said multiple engine crews were sent to the location and encountered flames in open space, burning at a slow rate to the east.

Two Cal Fire air tankers and a water-dropping helicopter arrived before ground personnel started hose lays and initiated several runs on the brusher, bringing its forward rate of spread to a halt by 11 a.m., according to reports from the scene.

The tankers departed, leaving only the helicopter to make targeted drops after 11 a.m.

One abandoned shed was briefly threatened but not damaged by the flames. No orchards were burned.

Firefighters were making steady progress establishing containment lines, and the blaze was expected to be fully encircled by noon, officials said.

The cause of the fire was under investigation.