Brush Fire Breaks Out Near Thompson Middle School

Murrieta police and fire are on the scene of a brush fire that was reported just west of Thompson Middle and Murrieta Valley High schools, a fire official confirmed.

Reports started coming in at about 3:28 p.m. Friday that flames and smoke were seen in the area of Hayes Avenue and Dusty Trail, at the west end of Nighthawk Way, according to police radio conversation.

As of 3:50 p.m., police and fire personnel were on scene and Hayes Avenue near Thompson Middle was closed to through traffic.

A resident who lives nearby said she was seeing flames coming from the area of Cemillon Lane.

The afternoon fire was not related to a vegetation fire reported at about 8:30 a.m. Friday near the same vicinity, Murrieta fire Battalion Chief Pat Jennings told Patch.

That blaze was contained to 300 by 300 feet, Jennings said.

As of 4 p.m. Friday, Jennings said this afternoon's fire had been contained to about a half an acre.

The afternoon blaze required a full-city response, with five engines called to the scene. Cal Fire/Riverside County Fire Department served as backup for other calls in Murrieta.

Crews were expected to be on scene for at least another hour, Jennings said. Dry weather and wind conditions, as well as flammable willow trees in the area, have officials concerned about flare-ups, he added.

Jennings said since the area is in a creek bed that is a popular hangout before and after school, they were investigating whether the two fires may have been sparked by area youth.