Brush Fire Burns West Of Coachella Valley

PINYON PINES, CA — A two-acre brush fire broke out Friday afternoon in rugged terrain near the Pinyon Pines area of the San Bernardino National Forest.

There was no word on what sparked the blaze, which was reported about 3:30 p.m. in the Santa Rosa Wilderness, southeast of Highway 74 and Scenic Drive.

U.S Forest Service spokeswoman Lisa Cox said the fire was burning in remote terrain, making access difficult for fire engines. She said three air tankers and hand crews were dispatched to the scene.

She added that the brusher was burning at a slow rate of spread and that it was not immediately threatening any structures or campgrounds.

"I don't think (firefighters) are expecting it to get real big, real quick," she told City News Service about 4:45 p.m.