Just 5 percent of the Dome Fire in Mojave National Preserve had been contained by midday Tuesday/Inciweb
Desert tortoise habitat, the world's greatest concentration of Joshua trees, and historical and cultural resources are being impacted by a lightning-ignited wildfire that had spread across 44,000 acres of Mojave National Preserve in California.
The Dome Fire was burning through forests of Joshua trees/SoCal Air Ops
Just 5 percent of the fire had been contained, officials said Tuesday afternoon.
"The fire is estimated to be approximately 44,248 acres and burning in dry tall grass and desert shrub. Extreme fire conditions are present due to gusty winds from afternoon thunderstorm along with very hot and dry conditions," a National Park Service status report read. "Access to the fire has been hampered by terrain conditions, wilderness and sensitive ecological habitat. Several structures are threatened as well as a Union Pacific Railway line, high voltage power lines in the area and natural gas line."
The blaze, sparked Saturday afternoon, had led to closure of all visitor centers, campgrounds, pit toilets, the Lava Tube and the Zzyzx area in the preserve.
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Two historic cattle ranches have been badly damaged too.
"These areas just don't burn," Smith said.
Don't trust what this "Interpretive Ranger (supervisory)" says about fire in the E. Mojave. We have had fires in and amoungst Joshua Trees there numerous times in the recent past (I have been camping, hunting and exploring there for over 50 years). They may not be a fire regenerative tree but even a look at the photos in the news show healthy trees remaining in and around burn areas. Go look at past burn areas in the park and see the trees continuing to grow. The park service hasn't been there long enough, and certainly ranger Smith hasn't, to know the history of fires in that desert. Shame on the Park Service for letting this ignorant person speak for the park and its natural resources.