Flames are seen on the side of Bell Mountain right behind homes on Highland Court. (Staff photo)
A fast-moving vegetation fire at the north base of Bell Mountain threatened dozens of homes in Menifee and forced evacuations Thursday afternoon, but there were no immediate reports of damage to homes or injuries.
The fire began about 3:45 p.m. behind Hidden Meadows Park, located at the end of Highland Court and just south of Heaton Lane. The nearest major cross streets are Menifee Road and Holland Road. This reporter noticed the smoke and arrived when the fire was about 30 feet wide in light brush, with gusts of wind fanning the flames.
By the time police and fire crews arrived, the flames had crept to within about 20 feet of the back iron fence of two neighboring homes at the end of the Highland Court cul-de-sac. The flames then began moving northeast along the ridge, threatening homes on nearby streets Cortez Street, Drake Circle, Rocky River Road and Melmore Lane.
Within minutes, additional fire engines had arrived and aerial drops of fire retardant were made on what has been called the Bluff Fire (Pacific Bluff Street is located just to the south). The Watch Duty app reported that the fire covered 30 acres before forward progress was stopped. Some residents vacated their homes but many stayed during what began as a mandatory evacuation and was later downgraded to a warning.
Cause of the fire is under investigation.
A helicopter makes a water drop above Rocky River Road. (Staff photo)
The aftermath shows the charred north side of Bell Mountain (Staff photo)
Red pin marks the location of the fire.
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