Volcano Fire: Brush fire near Murrieta prompts evacuation orders

MURRIETA, Calif. (KABC) -- Evacuation orders and warnings have been issued for a brush fire burning near Murrieta Tuesday afternoon.

The blaze was reported at 2:50 p.m. in the area of Via Volcano and Tenaja roads in the La Cresta area, according to the Riverside County Fire Department.

The agency said multiple air and ground resources were sent to the location and crews encountered flames moving at a moderate rate through medium to heavy brush.

Cal Fire says the blaze, dubbed the Volcano Fire, has charred 78 acres. It was initially estimated at 125 acres, but the acreage was later revised.

A map of the evacuation orders and warnings can be seen below.

Sheriff's deputies shut down Tenaja west of Via Volcano for public safety.

There was no immediate word on what might have triggered the brusher.

An evacuation and reception center was established at Chaparral High School, 27215 Nicolas Road in Temecula. Any evacuees with large animals were encouraged to leave them with county personnel at the Murrieta Equestrian Center, 42646 Juniper St.

City News Service contributed to this report.