Fire Engulfs Woman’s House In Indio

A fire forced five people out of their home on Paseo Real Avenue in Indio on Tuesday.

Martin Flores lives just steps away from where the flames broke out.

“You could see the fire pretty high, all the way to the roof,” said Flores.

He said he saw the fire and wanted to help stop it.

“I tried to help the owner of the house with my hose but the police came over here and asked to stop, you know like ‘Get out of here’,” said Flores.

Firefighters told Flores and other neighbors to move away from the area so they could be safe.

Silvia Lopez also lives in the neighborhood and said she saw the flames and called 911.

“I’ve never seen a fire go that fast, that quick. It was pretty scary because, like I said, it was not even a minute and the whole house, you see the garage and flames coming out to the top,” said Lopez.

The five people inside the house ran out and no one was hurt. Neighbors said the woman who lived there had just turned 81 years old.

“She was scared. She didn’t even know where the keys for the car were because we tried to take the cars out but she couldn’t find the keys,” said Flores.

Louisa Strom knows the family.

“I’m just trying to help her as much as I can. She’s my neighbor,” said Strom.

Three firefighters were hurt when the roof in the garage collapsed on them. They were taken to the hospital with minor injuries.

Strom said she’s thankful they were there to stop the fire from spreading.

“Tragedy happens and we never know what to expect,” said Strom.

It’s still unknown what caused the fire but neighbors agree the important thing is that everyone is safe.

“No one’s hurt. Materialistic things you can always replace but a human life you cannot,” said Strom.