Winchester

Wildfire Scorches 20 Acres, Approaches Homes Before Partial Containment

A fire broke out Thursday in a field in Winchester, quickly charring 20 acres and approaching homes in the rural area before it was partially contained.

The non-injury blaze was reported about 10:30 a.m. at Fields Drive and Patterson Road, roughly two miles north of the Lake Skinner Recreation Area, according to the Riverside County Fire Department.

An agency spokeswoman said nine engine crews and four hand crews, numbering 75 personnel, deployed to the wildfire, supported by two air tankers and a water-dropping helicopter.

Several residents said the flames were within sight of their properties and one woman invited firefighters to draw water from a tank built for her livestock, according to reports from the scene.

A battalion chief said the wildfire's forward rate of spread was stopped about 11:45 a.m.

Copyright CNS - City News Service
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