The massive Apple Fire in Riverside County was started by a vehicle's mechanical malfunction, investigators have determined.
The fire has scorched more than 26,000 acres in Cherry Valley, destroying several buildings and triggering evacuations.
Investigators with CAL FIRE have determined the fire started Friday around 4:55 p.m. by a diesel-fueled vehicle driving around the 9000 block of Oak Glen Road in Cherry Valley. The vehicle emitted burning carbon from the exhaust system, which lit dry brush in the area, setting off a blaze which took off in hot, low-humidity conditions.
They asked anyone who was driving by that area at that time to come forward to speak with investigators. Calls can be made to the anonymous hotline at (800) 633-2836.