Palm Springs Aerial Tramway back open following 20-acre fire
The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is back open, resuming normal operations Friday after a brush fire forced it to close on Thanksgiving Day.
The fire burned in the Chino Canyon area and was estimated to have grown to 20 acres, firefighters at the scene told KESQ & CBS Local 2 Thursday morning. Electricity to the tram was cut off after a power pole was burned by the flames.
The fire was burning on the east side of Tram Road but wasn’t actively burning Thursday morning. Crews have been mopping up the area and putting out hot spots. The fire was expected to be fully contained by Friday.
Gabriele Brown, a visitor from out of town, was turned away from the tram on Thanksgiving, returning again once they were open Friday.
“They told us it was closed, so that’s why we are here today,” Brown said. “I didn’t realize it just happened a few days ago. It’s pretty scary… When we drove up we saw some burned down tree stumps. Plus, what I just heard about the fires in Kent in Paradise — it’s kind of scary.”
Cara Youngman, the tram’s public relations manager, told KESQ and CBS Local 2 what it meant for business to close on one of the busiest days of the season.
“Nobody likes to be close on the holidays when it is a busy day but of course for us its worth It as long as our guests are okay,” Youngman said.
Officials said there were no injuries reported, no evacuations ordered, and no threat to the community. The Tram was evacuated Wednesday evening, causing approximately 60 to have to come down the mountain.
Palm Springs Firefighters were receiving assistance from CAL FIRE, the US Forest Service, and BLM crews.
Some would be tram-riders say they’re thankful for the work of the firefighters, understanding it’s better to be safe than sorry.
“Without them, this town and the rest of California would be in grave danger so I’m truly thankful for that and I’m glad it wasn’t as bad as it could be,” Leif Wauters of Palm Springs, said.
Gratitude that’s carrying over that means so much this Thanksgiving.
Purdy said the tram is expected to reopened at it’s normal hours Friday morning.
CAL FIRE said the fire remains under investigation with the Bureau of Land Management taking the lead. Stay with KESQ & CBS Local 2 for updates as we continue to confirm details.
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