Sycamore Canyon fire: Forward progress stopped as blaze chars 220 acres in Riverside park

RIVERSIDE, Calif. (KABC) -- The forward progress of a brush fire that was raging through Sycamore Canyon Wilderness Park in Riverside has been stopped after charring 220 acres, fire officials say.

The four-alarm blaze sent thick plumes of smoke into the air and triggered evacuations for neighborhoods close to the park.

Those evacuations were lifted within hours as firefighters brought the flames under control, sparing homes from damage.

The blaze was initially reported at 12:49 p.m. By 4 p.m. firefighters said the forward progress was stopped and they were building containment lines and mopping up hotspots.

A care and reception center for local residents had been established at Bobby Bonds Park Cesar Chavez Community Center, at 2060 University Ave.

Road closures were expected to remain in place at least through the early evening, including Central Avenue from Canyon Crest Drive to Fair Isle Drive and Lochmoor Drive from Central Avenue to Fair Isle.