Love at first sight suspected of having lit a fire of 994 acres burning near Murietta

A brush fire possibly caused by lightning erupted Wednesday just west of Murrieta, blackening about 994 acres and causing evacuations.

The fire not related to the injury was reported around 15:55. in the Clinton Keith and Tenaja Roads sector, in the unincorporated community of La Cresta, according to the Riverside County Fire Department.

At around 20:50, the fire covered 994 acres and contained 5%, officials said. About an hour earlier, the fire department reported that the fire was under control at 5% and about 250 acres burned. The agency said 44 locomotive crews and seven manual crews, representing more than 250 people, were sent to the scene and encountered flames in dense vegetation spreading north.

With the county teams, firefighters from Murrieta Fire & Rescue and other agencies were using to contain the fire, which slowed down as night fell.

All residents of The Trails Circle were evacuated and the Santa Rosa Plateau Visitor Center was closed as the flames moved along the west side of Clinton Keith Road, crossing ridges.

A care and reception center has been created for displaced residents at Murrieta Mesa High School. Small animals were accepted here. Housing for larger animals was available at the San Jacinto Animal Shelter.

Six Cal Fire refueling aircraft and three water-width helicopters fired, but came out at 20 hours. because of poor visibility.

Clinton Keith Road was closed south of Avenida La Cresta and Tenaja Road was closed between Via Volcano and Clinton Keith Road for reasons of public safety and to allow crews the freedom to maneuver.

An on-site battalion commander said the flames appeared to be heading for an old burn scar, which could starve fuel flames overnight.

A storm cell has moved into the area just before the fire and it is suspected that a flash of light has lit it.

Power lines have been reported at the location.

Some local residents reported feeling smoke from the fire. A smoke notice has not yet been issued in the Coachella Valley.

Stay with News Channel 3 for all updates.