Fire crews contained a grass fire that sparked near Interstate 80 Monday afternoon.

Emergency responders reported that the large spot fire, which is about a quarter-acre or less, was under control about 30 minutes after it was first reported at about 2:15 p.m. just east of Penryn Road on eastbound Interstate 80.

Initial reports indicated a second fire ignited on the westbound side of the freeway. Crews later reported that it was smoke from the first fire coming out from under the freeway.

About five engines responded to the incident.

One nearby structure was initially threatened but it was not damaged, according to Jennifer Hutchins, communications officer at Cal Fire’s Grass Valley Emergency Command Center.

At about 2:45 p.m., the eastbound No. 3 lane was blocked and drivers were warned of stopped traffic in both directions, according to the CHP’s online traffic incident page.

All lanes were open at about 3:38 p.m.

~ Staff report