Firefighters stop progress of Pauba Fire near Temecula, evacuation warnings lifted

Evacuation warnings have been lifted Saturday morning as firefighters have stopped the forward progress of a brush fire in Temecula.

The fire, dubbed the "Pauba Fire" was first reported at around 1:30 p.m. on Friday near Pauba Road and Los Caballos Road, just north of Highway 79 near Vail Lake, according to the Riverside County Fire Department. 

As of Saturday morning, the fire was 50% contained after burning 101 acres.

Firefighters worked through the night building containment lines around the fire and will remain on the scene Saturday putting out hot spots.

 It's unclear what started the fire, but crews from Riverside County, Hemet Fire Department and the San Diego County Fire Department all worked together to battle the flames, which was burning near homes. 

The mandatory evacuation order was issued for Vail Lake and Butterfield Lake Estates, while residents living north of Highway 79, east of Anza Road, west of Sage Road and Wilson Creek, and south of Avenida Bravura were warned to be ready to leave at a moment's notice. 

At around 5:30 p.m., the orders were downgraded to warnings, which were lifted just before 9 a.m. Saturday. The fire department also announced that Pauba Road was reopened.

Five firefighters were injured during the battle, but no further information was provided. No civilians have been injured and no structures have burned, crews said.