Garbani Fire: 43-acre blaze in Menifee prompts hours-long evacuation order

MENIFEE, Calif. (KABC) -- A brush fire that erupted in Menifee Tuesday afternoon prompted officials to issue an evacuation order for residents as crews raced to extinguish the flames.

The Garbani Fire was reported just before 1 p.m. in 26000 block of Garbani Road and grew to 43 acres, according to the Riverside County Fire Department. Crews reported stopping the blaze's forward rate of spread about two hours later.

Aerial footage from AIR7 HD showed charred hillsides and fire retardant left behind by aircraft sent to battle the blaze. Containment was at 65% by Tuesday evening.

Fire officials issued an evacuation order for the area south of Craig Avenue, east of Murrieta Road/English Court, north of Wickerd Road and west of Huan Road. The evacuation order was lifted around 6:30 p.m.

"Citizens can make their way back to their homes but please stay vigilant and continue to monitor for updates," the fire department tweeted. "Drive carefully through the area as fire personnel will be working for several more hours."

It was not immediately known what sparked the blaze.

The Garbani Fire was initially said to be 50 acres in size, but was later estimated at 43 acres.