Lightning reported in area as small fire breaks out near Palm Springs mountainside

PALM SPRINGS, CA (KESQ) - Reports of lightning strikes in the area preceded a small brush fire Thursday afternoon on the mountainside near Interstate 10 and Highway 111 near Palm Springs, above Snow Creek.

The fire was reported shortly after noon above Snow Creek Road, with smoke spotted coming from the south side of the mountain.

Palm Springs Fire Department initially responded to the incident before the response was transferred to CAL FIRE. Officials later determined the fire was burning on Forest Service land, placing the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) in charge of the primary response.

Crews from the Bureau of Land Management work to contain a small brush fire in Snow Creek, along the mountainside near Palm Springs

BLM personnel told News Channel 3 the fire was near the area where the Pacific Crest Trail climbs into the mountains.

Initial information indicated the fire was approximately 20 feet by 20 feet. Officials were investigating a possible lightning strike as the cause, although the cause had not been confirmed.

By Thursday afternoon, BLM officials told News Channel 3 that fire crews were on scene conducting mop-up operations. Officials said the fire was no longer showing flames or smoke.

Additional resources were sent to the area as a precaution, with crews staging near Snow Creek Road.

There were no reports Thursday afternoon of injuries, evacuations or damage to structures.

Hikers planning to travel in the area are advised to check current trail conditions and closure information before heading out, particularly as crews continue working in the vicinity of the fire.