Smoke Looming In Desert Skies From Massive Wildfire Down South
A brush fire down in San Diego County doubled in size Saturday, blackening some 9,000 acres. Fire crews have only been able to get 30% containment, as the blaze continues to spread. More than 1,000 firefighters and 16 aircraft are on the scene, trying to get the upper hand.
The fire, burning on the Los Coyotes Indian Reservation down near Warner Springs, broke out Thursday night around 10:30. Flames spread through the reservation, briefly threatening cabins and archaelogical sites. But now the flames are moving away from populated area into steep, rugged terrain.
Here in the Coachella Valley, people called News Channel 3 saying they could see the smoke in the air.
Fire officials say people sensitive to smoke should stay inside, but it does not pose any serious threat to desert communities.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.