Coyote Fire: Vegetation fire south of Banning now 80% contained

Maria Sestito
Palm Springs Desert Sun

A vegetation fire near Banning that started and grew quickly Sunday afternoon is now about 80% contained, the Riverside County Fire Department said at just after 10 a.m. Monday. 

The fire has been measured at 46 acres, Riverside County Fire Public Information Officer Rob Roseen said Monday. An earlier estimate provided by the department had pegged the fire at 75 acres Sunday night. However, Roseen said that more precise measurement came after a plane was used to fly over the fire, he said. 

The department said firefighters working to strengthen containment would remain on scene Monday.  Roseen also said no structures were impacted by the fire. 

The fire was reported near Old Idyllwild Road south of Banning at about 2:40 p.m. Sunday with a moderate rate of spread in light to medium fuels, officials said. An hour later, the fire had more than tripled in acreage. 

By 6 p.m., the forward spread of the fire had been stopped.

Firefighters were attacking the blaze from the ground and the air, according to fire officials. One firefighter sustained a non-life threatening injury and was transported to a local hospital, officials said.

City News Service contributed to this story. 

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.