Brush fire chars 85 acres in Running Springs area; 40 percent contained

RUNNING SPRINGS, Calif. (KABC) -- Firefighters battled a brush fire that erupted in an area southwest of Running Springs Saturday afternoon.

The blaze started around 1:35 p.m. in the area of Highway 330 and Old City Creek Road, authorities said.

The fire burned about 15 acres at first. It was spreading at a moderate rate of speed, eventually charring 85 acres, according to firefighters. Initially the estimated acreage was around 120, but was later reduced.

By 7:30 p.m., the fire was 40 percent contained.

One large air tanker and several helicopters were dispatched to conduct water drops, while about 150 local and Cal Fire firefighters worked on the ground.

Temperatures in the area reached about 91 degrees with winds moving west. Highway 330 remained open, but drivers were cautioned to be slow and safe when passing through the fire area.

The cause of the blaze was unknown.