Palm Springs hiking trail fire believed to be caused by transients

Authorities were investigating a fire that broke out late Monday night on the Rimrock Hiking Trail in Palm Springs.

The fire was about 100 feet away from a water tower near Palm Hills Drive, according to KESQ News Channel 3 Reporter Madison Weil who said crews were mopping up.

The flames were first reported at 10:00 p.m. Monday and burned until 2:00 a.m. Tuesday, according to Captain Nathan Gunkel of Palms Springs Fire.

There were no injuries. Five engines were called to the scene.

Gunkel said firefighters contained the fire to four acres within an hour. It was believed people at a transient encampment started the fire.

People were being asked to avoid the trail Tuesday morning.

Stay with KESQ News Channel 3 for updates.