Tamarisk tree fire sends smoke into skies

Firefighters were on the scene of a fire burning in Tamarisk trees Wednesday morning that was filling the skies with smoke.

It was reported at 3:30 a.m. along the eastbound freeway lanes near Jefferson Street next to the railroad tracks and Country Club Drive.

Firefighters at the scene said the blaze was burning in a 25-foot square area and was knocked down within minutes.

There was no immediate word on a cause, but it was near a possible homeless encampment.

Traffic on Interstate 10 was not being impacted by the firefighting activities. Motorists will see firefighters parked along Country Club Drive as they monitor the scene for any flare-ups.