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| Los Angeles County Fire file photo. |
(Update 2 — May 16, 2:15 p.m.) The Los Angeles County Fire department has contained flames affecting 35 acres of dry brush and oak that can be easily seen from Cal Poly Pomona. The fire is several miles from the university, north of Rio Rancho Road and west of Highway 71.
The Los Angeles County Fire Department aggressively worked to contain the blaze and protect neighborhoods with 15 fire engines, three hand crews and three helicopters. Additional mutual aid engines from surrounding communities had also been called.
Flames erupted about 11 a.m. on Friday, May 16, in a park-like setting near Storrs Place and W. Phillips Drive in Phillips Ranch.
Residences and other structures were nearby, but authorities said no buildings were in danger despite high temperatures and shifting winds.
During the fire, motorists were told to avoid Mission Boulevard and Highway 71 because this location became a major staging area for fire response teams.
A person of interest in the fire investigation has been detained by the Pomona Police Department.
University Police encourage the campus community to stay alert and report suspicious activity in dry brush areas to University Police at (909) 869-3070 or by calling 911.