A vegetation fire behind the Yucca Valley Tractor Supply store was most likely started by transients, according to county fire. Battalion Chief Mike McClintock said numerous residents saw smoke and flames behind the strip mall and called 911 just before 1 p.m. Sunday. When firefighters from Yucca Valley and Joshua Tree arrived, they found a 30- by 100-foot strip of vegetation, trash, and debris on fire. Strong winds fanned the flames, but fire crews were able to stop its forward progress in about 10 minutes, but the fire burned about 300 feet along a block wall. McClintock said the fire’s origin appeared to be adjacent to a transient camp in the area. The Sheriff’s Department searched the area but was unable to find any witnesses or suspects.
