Progress Made Against Desert Fire

Calmer weather Tuesday helped firefighters make progress against a large brush fire, easing the threat to the desert town of Morongo Valley.

Wind blowing across the desert eased and the fire, which had spread through 23,000 acres of brush, was about 65% contained, authorities said.

“It’s not as intense as it was the last two days,” said Capt. Cindy Villanova of the Morongo Valley Fire Department.

The flames had gotten to within about two miles of Morongo Valley, about 20 miles northwest of Palm Springs, and residents were advised to remain on alert.