The Strong Fire has been quickly contained. The fire was reported shortly after noon today, Aug. 5. It started near Strong Drive and was moving south towards Tahquitz View Drive.

Neighbors help fight the Strong Fire in Idyllwild Monday afternoon. Photo by Jenny Kirchner

Firefighters from Idyllwild Fire Department, Cal Fire, and the U.S. Forest Service immediately surrounded the blaze, which produced several clouds of smoke.

At this time the size and cause were not identified, but some firefighters thought there were downed power lines in the vicinity.

The fire had the possibility of moving into the forest along the Ernie Maxwell Trail’s lower terminus.

A firefighter at the Strong Fire Monday afternoon. Photo by Jenny Kirchner