by David Lippman, News Channel 3 News Producer
dlippman@kesq.com

THERMAL - Riverside County firefighters are keeping a close eye on a fire that is still smoldering, this morning, in the east valley.

Fire crews contained a vegetation fire that ignited Sunday afternoon around 1:30 near the intersection of  Avenue 73 and Pierce Street.

When the first engines arrived on scene, the fire was estimated at three acres, but that figure quickly increased to twenty-five acres.

The fire was surrounded by crops on three sides, which helped fuel the flames.

Two air tankers were brought in to help the 120 firefighters working to knock the fire down.

By 7 p.m., fire officials declared the flames fully contained, having burned 70 acres. Full control is expected by 7:00 Monday morning.

Pierce Street was blocked off between Avenue 70 and Avenue 73, but Highway 86 remained open.

No injuries were reported, no buildings were threatened, and no evacuations were ordered.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.