Crime & Safety
Fires Rage Around Temecula
Blazes are spreading in Winchester to the north and in Pala to the south, sending plumes of smoke into Temecula's sky.
Blazes were raging to the north and south, filling Temecula's sky with smoke today.
The first fire started at 10:29 a.m. on Pala Temecula and Moro roads on the Pala Indian Reservation, according to Cheri Patterson of the Riverside County Fire Department.
The fire spread to 20 acres by 2:09 p.m. today, according to Patterson.
Find out what's happening in Temeculawith free, real-time updates from Patch.
The second fire started at 1 p.m. on Baxter and Menifee roads in Winchester.
When firefighters arrived, they found two to three acres ablaze. It spread to 20 acres by 2:14 p.m., and Scott Road was closed down between Lindenberger and Leon roads, accordion to firefighters on the scene.
Find out what's happening in Temeculawith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Flames crept onto a local equestrian center, and staff members set the horses free, a firefighter said.
Eleven engines, two air tankers, a helicopter and 117 firefighters were battling the blaze as of 2:43 p.m., according to Patterson.
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