A brush fire west of Beaumont forced the closure of both directions of Highway 60 on Wednesday.

According to the Riverside County Fire Department, the blaze was reported at 3:09 p.m. at the 60 near Jack Rabbit Trail.

As of 4:35 p.m., the size was estimated at 85 acres — most north of the freeway — and containment at 60 percent.

First arriving units reported 5 acres burning on both sides of the 60.

The 60 was closed, either entirely or partially, between Gilman Springs Road and Beaumont. Some drivers tried to turn around on the median.

No structures were threatened. The cause is under investigation.

Full containment is expected by 6 a.m. Thursday.

Watch InstantRiverside.com for updates.

If you have photos or video of the fire, send them via an e-mail — including your name — to info@instantriverside.com.

– posted at 3:32 p.m. by Cathy Maestri; most recent update at 9:53  p.m.

– top photo sent by Debbie Velemos

Filed under Headline

Wednesday, July 8, 2009

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