A brush fire erupted Tuesday afternoon near the 57 Freeway’s Temple Avenue exit in Pomona, scorching about half an acre of vegetation and damaging one structure, authorities confirmed. The blaze, reported just after 1 p.m., sent plumes of smoke across the Inland Empire, causing concern for commuters and nearby residents, according to CHP logs. Los Angeles County Fire Department (LACoFD) crews from Battalion 15, based at 590 S. Park Avenue in Pomona, were dispatched immediately. Using hose lays and aerial water drops, they contained the flames by 1:45 p.m., limiting the spread to half an acre, KTLA reported. Local Concerns Over Fire Damage While no injuries have been reported, the structural damage has raised alarm among residents in the Philips Ranch neighbourhood. Posts on X showed images of dark smoke near the freeway, with some speculating about a vehicle-related ignition, though officials have not confirmed any cause. This marks another in a series of fires in Pomona’s dry hills. In 2020, a blaze along the same corridor scorched 25 acres but spared structures, while in 2022, a brush fire near the 10 and 57 interchange forced road closures. Campus and Traffic Impact Monitored The Hazel Fire’s proximity to Cal Poly Pomona prompted brief concern, though the campus confirmed it was unaffected, per Pomona College’s wildfire updates. CHP officers assisted with traffic flow near Temple Avenue, urging motorists to avoid the area during firefighting operations. Authorities said the cause of the blaze remains under investigation. Unlike the 2022 Pomona fire triggered by a crashed vehicle, officials have not found evidence linking the Hazel Fire to vehicles or arson. LACoFD’s Assistant Fire Chief is overseeing mop-up efforts, with updates expected later today. Get Latest News Live on Times Now along with Breaking News and Top Headlines from US News and around the World.