ANAHEIM (CNS) - Santa Ana winds were fanning a 150-acre wildfire that broke out adjacent to the Riverside (91) Freeway on the Orange and Riverside counties border this afternoon, but no structures were immediately threatened.
Dubbed the Canyon Fire, the blaze broke out for unknown reasons about 1 p.m. on the eastbound 91, just west of Green River Road in west Corona, and initially spread at a ``moderate'' rate to Coal Canyon Road off the freeway, according to Orange County Fire Authority Capt. Larry Kurtz.
As of 3 p.m., the fire was spreading at a ``rapid rate,'' according to Anaheim authorities. More than 100 firefighters from several agencies, six helicopters and three planes were involved in the firefight.
The two right lanes on the freeway at Coal Canyon Road were closed to make room for firefighting equipment, backing up traffic for seven miles, said California Highway Patrol Officer Agustin Latosquin. Westbound traffic was flowing at normal speeds, he said.
Santa Ana winds blowing 20 to 25 mph were fanning the flames, according to reports from the scene.