MURRIETA, Calif. – The brush fire has erupted at Tenaja Road and Clinton Keith Road in La Cresta, just west of Murrieta on Wednesday is currently at 1,974 acres and is 10 percent contained.

Two structures have been damaged in the fire that burned 2,000 acres.

Evacuation orders and road closures remain in place.

Fueled by grass and brush, the blaze has a dangerous rate of spread, threatening structures and leading to a road closure. Mandatory evacuation orders are in place for all residences along The Trails Circle in La Cresta.

The non-injury blaze was first reported just before 4 p.m. on Wednesday. The fire is currently seven percent contained.

Clinton Keith Road is closed south of Avenida La Cresta.

Riverside County Fire Department dispatched 44 engine crews and seven hand crews, totaling more than 250 personnel to the scene. According to City News Service, fire crews have encountered flames in heavy vegetation that are spreading quickly northward, fanned by erratic winds.

Fire crews from Murrieta Fire & Rescue and other agencies are also working to contain the blaze. Air support has been called in with a half dozen Cal Fire air tankers and three water-dropping helicoptoers summoned to the scene.

A thunder storm cell moved through the area just prior to the fire breaking out and a lightning strike is suspected as the cause. Power lines are reportedly down at the location.

Residents are being told to evacuate to the Santa Rosa Plateau Visitor Center, 39400 Clinton Keith Road or Murrieta Mesa High School. Animals can be taken to the San Jacinto Animal Shelter at 581 S Grand Ave., San Jacinto.

A care and reception has also been established at Murrieta Mesa High School, located at 24801 Monroe Avenue, Murrieta, CA 92562.

We will update this story as more information becomes available.

Residents were told by fire officials that this area is ground zero and they plan to stage here to hold the Teneja fire from coming into the neighborhood. (Spectrum News/JD Carrere)
Residents were told by fire officials that this area is ground zero and they plan to stage here to hold the Teneja fire from coming into the neighborhood. (Spectrum News/JD Carrere)