Two brush fires that erupted Wednesday less than a mile apart near Aguanga scorched more than 1,000 acres — destroying structures, prompting evacuations and forcing the closure of a highway in the Southern Riverside County community.

Combined, they were named the Dale fire and were burning in the area of Highway 371 east of Lake Riverside and Temecula.The blaze was reported at 12:37 p.m. and its cause was under investigation, the Cal Fire/Riverside County Fire Department said. As of Thursday afternoon, it had blackened 1,096 acres and was 25% contained, officials said.

At least two structures, possibly vacant outbuildings, were consumed by the flames.

Forty-two fire engines, 11 wanter tenders, three helicopters and nine bulldozers helped fight the fire. More than 350 personnel were assigned to the blaze.