Firefighters battle date tree fire

Rural Metro firefighters battled a date tree fire at South Avenue A 1/2 and County 18th Street Wednesday afternoon.

Charly McMurdie with Rural Metro Fire Department said they do not know how the fire started and that it burned half a mile worth of trees. They also confirmed there were no injuries reported. Because Date and palm trees are planted in a design, a fire is more likely to spread quickly.

“I know right next to the grove was a palm tree farm where they grow trees for landscaping area,” said McMurdie. “Because they are all planted in rows and so close together, the potential is so much greater for spreading. ”

Authorities added that the fire should be completely out by Wednesday night. They also advise any residents near the area to stay indoors until the smoke completely clears away.

We will continue to update with any new details as they become available.