Wildfire along Highway 111 in Palm Springs burns 192 acres

PALMS SPRINGS — A wildfire burning in northern Palm Springs along Highway 111 nearly quadrupled in size since it was first reported Saturday morning, growing to 192 acres with 15% containment.

The fire was reported at about 6:30 a.m. and quickly blackened 50 acres near the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway and Palm Springs Visitor Center.

The blaze prompted a stretch of Highway 111 extending one mile north from Gateway Drive to be shut down, Palm Springs police announced at about 7 a.m.

Three hours later, fire officials said the fire had consumed 100 acres before updating that figure to 192 acres early Saturday afternoon.

Crews on the ground were being assisted by water-dropping airplanes and helicopters, according to the Palm Springs Fire Department.

Several fire agencies, including the U.S. Forest Service, were responding to what has been dubbed the Tram fire.

As of 1 p.m., no evacuations had been ordered, and no structures were reported to be threatened.