BEAUMONT, Calif. (CNS) — A 1,933-acre fire burning in the Badlands southwest of Beaumont was about 50% contained Monday, and no longer posing a threat to any homes or other structures.
The non-injury "Sanderson Fire" broke out at 1 a.m. Sunday in the area of La Borde Canyon Road and Jack Rabbit Trail, for reasons still under investigation, according to the Riverside County Fire Department.
Because the fire was situated on the edge of the Badlands, where there are limited access points and lots of hills between Moreno Valley and Beaumont, crews encountered difficulties reaching it, and the flames spread quickly.
Evacuation warnings were issued for the dozen or so homes north of Gilman Springs Road and south of Timothy Lane, including Jerry Street, McGehee Drive, Alberta Lane, Laurene Lane, Lisa Lane and Kevin Road.
No properties were damaged, and the warning was lifted 12 hours later.
Gilman Springs Road, between Alessandro Boulevard and Bridge Street, was temporarily closed Sunday morning because of the fire.
With Cal Fire water-dropping helicopters and air tankers making runs on the fire in the first hours of daylight Sunday, the fire's forward rate of spread was stopped.
More than 100 personnel remained on the fire lines Monday, knocking down hot spots along the perimeter.
Winds were light and variable in the area, and crews were expected to make further progress toward full containment Monday afternoon.
#SandersonFIRE [UPDATE] 12/14/2020 8:00 A.M. - The fire remains 1,933 acres and is now 45% contained. Resources will remain on scene as they work to strengthen control lines. pic.twitter.com/mZCvJlQp8k
— CAL FIRE/Riverside County Fire Department (@CALFIRERRU) December 14, 2020