Hathaway Fire Still Burning, Full Containment Not Expected Until June 25

The fire burning in the San Gorgonio Wilderness east of Banning was 43 percent contained today, having scorched 3,560 acres, authorities said.

Full containment of the Hathaway Fire isn't expected until June 25.

A total of 1,372 firefighters from federal, state, county and Native American agencies are battling the blaze, which started shortly before noon Sunday in the northern part of the Morongo Indian Reservation, according to U.S. Forest Service officials. Ten firefighters have been injured, and one outbuilding has been destroyed.

The fire is burning in a steep, remote area that is difficult to access and boasts a significant amount of dead trees because of the 1999-2004 drought and bark beetle infestation.

The fire didn't grow much overnight, and crews will continue today to carve containment lines around the eastern edge of the blaze, according to the Forest Service. Temperatures were expected to reach the high 80s today, with southwest winds and afternoon humidity in the teens and mid 20s.

Thirty-nine hand crews, 12 helicopters, six air tankers, 57 engines, 20 water tenders and 11 bulldozers were assigned to the fire, according to the forest service.

The San Gorgornio Wilderness area remains open, but no wilderness permits are being issued for Vivian Creek Trail. All local trails and areas such as Pioneertown, Morongo and Yucca Valleys may be affected by smoke, which can decrease visibility for motorists and increase health problems for people with respiratory conditions.

The blaze has been designated the Hathaway Fire because it is burning near Hathaway Canyon Road.