Two firefighters were hurt while battling a fast-moving brush fire that broke out in Moreno Valley Wednesday night.
Flames were reported about 8:40 p.m. near Merwin Street and Campbell Avenue, the Riverside County Fire Department said. It was thought the fire had charred 175 acres Wednesday night, however that figure was downgraded to 150 acres at 5 a.m. Thursday.
"There were flames, it was way up on top of the mountain," resident Sue Johnson said. "It was, like, so scary 'cause we've seen brush fires on the news other places. But this was like right in our backyard."
The so-called Merwin Fire was 25 percent contained, a spokesman confirmed Thursday. Two firefighters suffered ankle injuries.
"Even though we had rain in this area the last four days. the fire burned significantly," Riverside County Fire Department Battalion Chief Josh Janssen said.
Firefighters said Wednesday flames were spreading toward Lake Perris State Park, forcing the evacuation of campgrounds. Evacuation orders were lifted Thursday morning.
About 240 firefighters in total had been called in to battle the blaze.
Toni Guinyard contributed to this report.
