Lightning-Strike Fire in Joshua Tree National Park Est. 35 Percent Contained

A lightning-strike fire near Keys View in Joshua Tree National Park scorched more than 260 acres as of 8 p.m. Monday, but it had stopped growing and it was considered 35 percent contained, a park spokesman said.

Over the weekend, thunderstorms spawned lightning that ignited four fires in the park - three in the Covington Flats area and the largest one near Keys View.

The Covington Flats fires were all contained Sunday, with the largest burning an estimated half-acre, park spokesman Joe Zarki said.

The Keys View blaze, called the by fire commanders, started Sunday and by Monday evening 150 firefighters were assigned.

Commanders said the fire was 35 percent surrounded "with no significant growth in the fire perimeter," Zarki said.

"Difficulty of access on the south flank of the fire and hot weather were among the challenges" on Monday, Zarki said.

Fire crews were expected to work overnight and into Tuesday to further surround the fire. At least one helicopter will be available Tuesday for water drops, Zarki said.

Crews from the Sequoia National Forest, Angeles National Forest, the Tule River Indian Reservation, and Vandenberg Air Force Base were among those fighting the fire, Zarki said.

Keys View Road remained closed and other park roads and visitor facilities were open, Zarki said.

"Visitors are asked to drive cautiously while traveling through the park and be alert to the presence of firefighting trucks and equipment," Zarki said. "The public is urged to follow all signs and safety directions from park rangers and other emergency personnel."

Keys View is in the Riverside County portion of the park, southwest of Ryan Mountain. The overlook affords views of San Jacinto Peak, the east San Gorgonio Pass and part of the Coachella Valley.

Joshua Tree National Park is about 70 miles east of Redlands and Loma Linda.

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