Spot fires along Interstate 10 on Monday suspected work of arsonist

Two spot fires that were likely intentionally ignited on Monday alongside Interstate 10 in Calimesa were quickly knocked down, as law enforcement personnel searched for the suspected arsonist.

The blazes were reported within minutes of each other between 1:50 p.m. and 2 p.m. — one in the vicinity of Calimesa Boulevard and I-10, and the other near the I-10/Moreno Valley (60) Freeway interchange, according to the Calimesa Fire Department and California Highway Patrol.

Crews from Calimesa and the Riverside County Fire Department reached arrived within a few minutes, encountering debris fires less than 100 square feet in size.

No structures were threatened or damaged.

Firefighters quickly extinguished the blazes, according to reports from the scene.

Witnesses reported seeing a man in a pickup at the location of each fire, racing away, authorities said.

Sheriff’s deputies and CHP officers were searching for the vehicle.