3 Fairview Fire crew members injured after helicopter crashes near Banning airport, sources say

BANNING, Calif. (KABC) -- Three people were injured after a helicopter crashed near the Banning Airport as fire crews work to slow the spread of the deadly Fairview Fire southeast of Hemet.

The Riverside County Fire Department tells Eyewitness News the helicopter went down near the airport just before 4 p.m.

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All three people on board were sent to the hospital with moderate injuries, according to the fire department.

Officials said the helicopter is privately owned and crews on the scene confirmed Saturday night those on board were Cal-fire employees assigned to the Fairview Fire response team.

It's unclear what caused the crash as the incident remains under investigation.

Meanwhile, as of Saturday afternoon, officials said the fire had burned 28,307 acres, with containment rising to 40% from the 5% figure.