Posted June 30, 2006, 5:55 PM.

The fire reportedly began around 1:30pm. Traffic was snarled in many areas of the city of Temecula, complicated by extra holiday traffic.

As of 5pm the fire was 25% contained with 289 firefighters on the scene. Fire helicopters and tankers were also helping to contain the blaze. Two firefighters suffered heat-related injuries.

Two northbound lanes through the Rainbow area were open, then three later in the evening. All southbound lanes into San Diego were closed until two reopened around 6pm.

The backup northbound coming into the Temecula Valley was to the West Lilac Road bridge, 12 miles away.

Temecula