Joshua Tree Fire Burns For Second Day

The largest of three lightning-strike fires in the west end of Joshua Tree National Park has scorched about 110 acres, National Park Service spokesman Joe Zarki said.

There are no structures threatened but visitors are urged to use caution while driving through the park, and to be alert to the presence of firefighting equipment and other emergency vehicles.

On Friday afternoon, crews had established a land line around the fire, and said they had the fire 80 percent contained.

A helicopter is helping to fight the fire from the air, and multiple agencies are assisting.

The smoke was visible from the Coachella Valley, hovering over the foothills near Cathedral City and Palm Desert.

The blaze began about 1:30 p.m. on Thursday in steep and rocky terrain near a ridge west of Keys View Road, north of Cathedral City, said Zarki.

About 20 firefighters and a helicopter were called to the scene and more resources were on the way, Zarki said.

The terrain where the large fire burned was rocky and not full of vegetation.

“It’s in wilderness,” Zarki said. “I don’t think it is likely to go too far.”

The other two fires were said to be either close to containment or completely extinguished by noon on Friday.

Total containment is expected Saturday evening.