Local & Community
Vegetation Fire Burns 50 Acres Near Thermal Airport Overnight
UPDATE: 9:05 a.m. - Fire now 20% contained, according to the Riverside County Fire Department.
Firefighters are making progress on a vegetation fire that broke out near the Jacqueline Cochran Regional Airport in Thermal Thursday night, with the blaze now 20% contained as of Friday morning.
The fire broke out around 10:13 p.m. Thursday off Airport Blvd., according to the Riverside County Fire Department. It forced the overnight closure of Airport Blvd., causing the closure of the street between Deputy Manny Villegas Way and Tyler St.
The fire grew to 50 acres overnight, though crews stopped its forward spread and remained on scene through the night doing mop-up work.
As of Friday morning, containment stands at 20%, and fire officials are asking people to avoid the area while crews work to strengthen containment lines.
No injuries were reported, and no evacuations were ordered. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
This is a developing story. NBC Palm Springs will update as more information becomes available.
UPDATED AT: September 4, 2026 at 9:10 AM
By: Harrison Bluto
September 3, 2026
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