Flames broke out about 1 p.m. at Menifee and Baxter roads and spread north toward Scott Road, according to county fire officials.
Firefighters battled the blaze by land and air. About 160 firefighters were on the ground.
Evacuations were ordered for at least 11 homes in the area of Briggs Road and Camino de Los Caballos and Lindenberger and Camino de Los Caballos. About 50 horses from the Menifee Meadows equestrian center were also evacuated, officials said.
The Associated Press and City News Service contributed to this report.
