DOWNED POWER LINES SUSPECTED IN MORONGO VALLEY FIRE TUESDAY

May 27, 2020

*Calfire aircraft dropped numerous loads of fire retardant on the blaze to prevent the forward spread.*
*Tami Roleff photo*

Downed power lines are believed responsible for a vegetation fire in Morongo Valley Tuesday afternoon that burned almost 11 acres.

Morongo Valley Deputy Fire Chief Jim Brakebill said a snapped electrical line was to blame for starting the fire in Morongo Valley that burned nearly 11 acres. Tami Roleff photo

A So Cal Edison lineman turns off the power to power lines near the brush fire in Morongo Valley Tuesday afternoon. Tami Roleff photo

Morongo Valley Deputy Fire Chief Jim Brakebill said firefighters were called about 1 p.m. to the blaze just west of Scholl Road.

A fire near Scholl Road in Morongo Valley burned nearly 11 acres Tuesday afternoon.
Tami Roleff photo

Firefighter spray water on Joshua trees burning in a vegetation fire near Scholl Road in Morongo Valley Tuesday afternoon.
Tami Roleff photo

The downed lines sparked a blaze and winds picked up and caused the fire to spread, threatening two nearby structures and dogs housed within them. Quick action by Morongo Valley firefighters saved the houses and the dogs.

The area of the vegetation fire is lush with Joshua trees, yuccas, creosote bushes, cactus, and more.
Tami Roleff photo

Morongo Valley crews were assisted by a hand crew from the Department of Corrections, five Calfire crews, Bureau of Land Management crews, three aircraft, and a helicopter.

A Calfire helicopter dropped water on the vegetation fire near Scholl Road in Morongo Valley Tuesday afternoon.
Tami Roleff photo

Brakebill said the forward spread of the fire was stopped about 1:30 p.m. but crews were on the scene until 9 p.m. mopping up and making sure the fire was completely out.