January 14, 2010 1:50 PM

Wildfire may be pushed by 80 mph winds

By SALVADOR HERNANDEZ
THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

CLEVELAND NATIONAL FOREST – Firefighters are responding to a 35-acre fire that was spotted near Ortega Highway in Riverside County, authorities said.

The fire, burning in an area with thick brush fueling the fire, is threatening some structures near the Tenaja Truck Trail, said Jake Rodriguez, public information officer for the Cleveland National Forest. Whether those structures are homes, or if they are uninhabited, is unknown, he said.


Smoke from the fire is visible from the 5 freeway and Ortega highway.

Fire units from Riverside County Fire and Orange County Fire Authority were searching for the fire just after 12:30 p.m. after receiving several reports of smoke in the area. The fire was spotted with an OCFA helicopter that found the fire burning in an area with heavy brush, authorities said.

Firefighters from the Cleveland National Forest are also responding.

Firefighting efforts may be hampered by a strong winds in the area, some of which are expected to reach speeds of 80 mph, according to the National Weather Service.

The NWS issued a High Wind Warning today, which is expected to remain in effect until 10 p.m. North to northeast winds between 60 to 80 mph are likely to blow through the canyons, though speeds are expected to diminish throughout the day.

Firefighters have requested hand crews, additional strike teams, and aircraft to help combat the fire. The specific number of resources on the ground fighting the fire were not immediately available.

http://www.ocregister.com/news/fire-229 ... -area.html