170-acre wildfire burns in Beaumont, 25 percent contained

BEAUMONT, Calif. (KABC) -- A 170-acre wildfire started near a highway in Beaumont and caused a temporary closure while firefighters kept it from spreading Saturday afternoon.

The fire was first reported around 4:30 p.m. near Dump Road and Lambs Canyon. When crews first arrived, it was estimated to be about 5 acres, but it eventually spread to about 170 acres.

Authorities said it was moving at a moderate rate of speed. There were 85 firefighters, four air tankers, three helicopters and one water tender at the site to control the blaze.

Highway 79 to Gilman Springs was closed for a short time while crews worked to stop the spread of the fire.

By 9:30 p.m., crews contained about 25 percent of the fire.

The blaze was not threatening any structures.

The cause of the blaze was unknown.