Wildfire Breaks Out in Banning, Smoke Visible Throughout Pass

Update: 6 p.m.:

The fire department says this incident was contained to a total of three acres at approximately 5:00 p.m.

Update 4:25 p.m.:  

The Riverside County Fire Department says the fire is now 60 percent contained.  New estimates put the total acreage burned at 2-3 acres.

Air support continues to work on extinguishing the fire, as some aircraft refills with water at nearby Sun Lakes Country Club.

Banning-Beaumont Patch spotted several vehicles from multiple agencies driving to the fire site, including resources from the U.S. Forest Service.

Original Story as Follows:

A fire broke out Wednesday afternoon in south Banning, spreading to about four acres in a half hour's time and sending smoke throughout the Pass.

Riverside County Fire Department Spokeswoman Melody Hendrickson says the blaze was first reported just before 2 p.m., at Sunset Avenue and Shirleon Drive.

"Firefighters will be laboring for several hours due to heavy smoke and refuse," Hendrickson said.

The fire is believed to have first started at the bottom of the rock quarry in the area, according to Hendrickson, though it's still unclear what sparked the blaze.

So far, 88 firefighters, 2 air tankers, 2 helicopters and 9 engines have all been assigned to help fight the fire.

Stay with Banning-Beaumont Patch for updates on this breaking news story as they become available.