Vegetation fire near Bob Hope home in Palm Springs burns 140 acres; considered ‘suspicious’

45 firefighters and 15 engines, five from Palm Springs & 10 from outside agencies, were working to contain a vegetation fire Tuesday evening burning near Toledo Avenue & Murray Canyon Drive, near Bob Hope's former home.

The fire grew from 20 acres to 100 acres to 175 acres since it was first reported at 4:00 p.m. By 7:15 p.m. on Tuesday the fire was at 200 acres and 40 percent contained.

As of 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, the fire was downgraded to 140 acres and is 50% contained. Three firefighters have been transported to the hospital for a heat-related medical emergency. All have been released from the hospital.

Thursday evening, the Palm Springs Fire Department announced the fire was 80 percent contained.

Toledo and Murray Canyon are back open in all directions. Fire officials don't expect any additional road closures to come. The Palm Canyon Wash trail and the Earl Henderson trail remained closed.

According to Deputy Fire Chief Mike Smith, no homes were threatened and there were no evacuations orders issued.

Air drops were underway, according to Palm Springs Fire.

Firefighters found a female hiker while combating the flames. The hiker was taken to medics to be checked for smoke inhalation, however, she had no injuries.

As of Wednesday afternoon, three firefighters have been transported to the hospital for a heat related medical emergency.

We have a crew at the scene gathering the latest updates. Watch KESQ News Channel 3 for continued live coverage on-air.