Brush fire breaks out in Colton as strong winds continue to hit SoCal

COLTON, Calif. - Amid strong winds, a brush fire broke out in the Colton area early Tuesday morning.

The fire broke out around 5 a.m. near the Santa Ana River near the Riverside Ave. bridge. 

Video from the scene shows intense flames burning several items at a homeless encampment. Several vehicles and RVs were also destroyed. 

The fire sparked as destructive and damaging winds battered most of Southern California. 

RELATED: Southern California preparing for 'life-threatening' windstorm

Forecasters said Tuesday's wind event "will likely be the most destructive windstorm seen since 2011 windstorm that did extensive damage to Pasadena and nearby foothills of the San Gabriel Valley."

Forecasters warned particularly of the possibility of "breaking mountain waves."

Fire departments across the area are expected to pre-position resources so they can quickly respond if brush fires erupt. Officials with Cal Fire said the agency was moving resources from Northern California to Southern California, including 45 engines and six hand crews that will be stationed in the region, including Los Angeles and Orange counties.

Cal Fire Chief Joe Tyler reminded residents that 95% of wildfires are human-caused, and he urged vigilance.