Crews battle fast-moving brush fire in IE

MORENO VALLEY, Calif. (KABC) -- Firefighters were battling a fast-moving brush fire in Moreno Valley that charred 450 acres and forced the closure of a stretch of the 60 Freeway. Officials said it had to potential burn up to 1,500 acres.

The fire was reported about 4 p.m. Saturday at Gilman Springs Road at the 60 Freeway. The blaze consumed 150 acres by 5:30 p.m. By Saturday night, the fire was 35 percent contained.

No structures were being threatened. The fire was moving east, away from nearby communities.

The California Highway Patrol closed the 60 Freeway from Theodore Street to Interstate 10. The eastbound lanes were later opened, but the westbound lanes remained shuttered.

Officials said 50 to 60 motorists were stranded, but were safely evacuated.

Nearly 200 firefighters were at the scene, Riverside County Fire Department spokeswoman Cheri Patterson said.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

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