The Dome fire the in Mojave National Preserve, 67 miles northeast of Twentynine Palms, is 95% contained at 43,273 acres. The lightning-caused fire started August 15 and was affected by a series of strong thunderstorms that created extreme fire conditions. In the days following, gusty winds from afternoon thunderstorms and extremely hot and dry conditions made for challenging containment of the fire. The Joshua tree woodland experienced extreme fire behavior, causing significant fire damage. The fire has also impacted half of the preserve’s wilderness area. Isolated areas of heat remain within the interior portions of the fire, now producing extremely limited smoke.
