A debris fire that erupted Monday at the junction for Highway 74 and Interstate 15 in Lake Elsinore charred about a quarter acre before it was stopped.

The non-injury spot fire was reported at 12:12 p.m. Monday at the freeway underpass amid debris and grass, according to the Riverside County Fire Department.

The agency said several engine crews were sent to the location and encountered flames burning at a slow rate in a confined space, approaching the on-ramp to southbound I-15 but not disrupting traffic.

Firefighters quickly deployed and contained the blaze by 12:30 p.m. A few minutes later, it was completely extinguished.

The cause of the fire was under investigation.

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