Tuscany fire burns 250 acres north of Palm Springs

Lina Portman2 weeks ago

2 1 minute read

Additional resources were on the way, although no structures were immediately threatened and no evacuations were ordered.

June 17, 2024 at 1:10 p.m. PDT | Update June 17, 2024 at 1:25 p.m. PDT

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. — A vegetation fire in Palm Springs that broke out late Monday morning has consumed approximately 250 acres, police confirmed.

The fire, nicknamed the Tuscany Fire, started around 11:26 a.m. near Tramway Road in North Palm Springs and spread at a rapid pace, police said.

Additional resources were on the way, although no structures were immediately threatened and no evacuations were ordered. Crews were battling the fire on the ground and in the air, according to Cal Fire.

The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway halted operations due to smoke and visibility issues.

The location of the Tuscany Fire in North Palm Springs. Image: Cal Fire

The Tuscany Fire wasn't the only one burning in Riverside County.

An 867-acre brush fire that erupted east of Moreno Valley was 50% contained Monday, with conditions generally favorable for crews as they continued to dig containment lines.

The non-injury “Lisa Fire” was reported shortly after 1 p.m. Sunday in the area of Alessandro Boulevard and Gilman Springs Road, south of Moreno Valley Highway (60), in rugged terrain known as the Badlands , according to Cal Fire/Riverside. County Fire Department.

The agency said several engine and hand crews were sent to the brush, supported by Cal Fire air tankers and water-broad helicopters, encountering flames burning at a moderate rate, far from the closest homes. relatives.

As of 10 a.m. Monday, the fire was 50% contained and firefighters were making steady progress to fill gaps and establish containment lines. Winds were calm and skies mostly cloudy, while a pressure trough settled over the region, lowering temperatures and increasing relative humidity.

The weather situation was expected to continue until mid-week.

The Cal Fire plane left the area around sunset Sunday and was not called back into action Monday.

No warnings or evacuation orders were required due to the fire. However, the California Highway Patrol temporarily closed roads in the immediate vicinity of the brush Sunday afternoon. No closures were in effect Monday.

The cause of the fire was under investigation.