Cooking fire sparks Southern Calif. wildfire

Firefighters late Sunday sought to control a Southern California wildfire that broke out in a forested basin, prompting the evacuation of about 300 homes.

The Riverside County fire, near the Prado Basin and the intersection of Highways 91 and 71, was 1,020 acres and 35% contained, said Cal Fire. Evacuation orders had been lifted, but the agency warned nearby communities would experience low-lying smoke. The fire in the densely covered river basin had sent up huge plumes of smoke.

The homes bordered the cities of Norco and Corona, which are about 35 miles southeast of downtown Los Angeles.

California is getting an early start to wildfire season, aided by the fourth year of a drought. Cal Fire said last week it was bringing on extra personnel due to gusty weather and dry conditions.

Cal Fire said the source of the fire was an unattended cooking fire.