Red Cross to help people left homeless after wind-fueled fire damages Palm Springs condos

A fire in a Palm Springs condo complex has left extensive water and fire damage to twelve units. The call came in before 10 a.m. Sunday morning during bouts of gusty winds, which challenged first responders.

The three-alarm fire started in an attic and moved throughout several units.

Fire officials on scene have confirmed 50 firefighters were at the scene. Palm Springs Fire Department had help from CAL FIRE and Cathedral City FD. The cause of the fire is still being determined.  

One resident ran out of his home seconds after seeing smoke, leaving behind all of his belongings.

Brandon Macrae, Palm Springs Villa 1 resident shared, “The smoke became so thick so fast, I just knew I had to get out of there. Because it just wasn’t a safe place to be.” 

At least two residents we spoke to tells us their homes are a total loss, and with hotels busy all throughout Memorial Day weekend, fire victims are having difficulty finding temporary housing.

A team of Red Cross volunteers were on scene assessing the damage of each unit in efforts to provide assistance.

Gerald Winkle, Disaster Program Manager with the American Red Cross says, "We will assist them with financial aid if they qualify for it as well as some other comfort items: blankets, food, water snacks, and just making sure they didn't lose any medical devices, which we can help replacing."

As of noon, firefighters were still working to break through the ceiling to clear anything that is still smoldering to avoid the wind rekindling the fire.

Firefighters are not only battling flames and trying to save residents who live in the Palm Springs Villa 1 on Los Felices Road near W San Rafael Drive, they are facing severe weather. The gusty weather and blowing sands led to reduced visibility on many area roads. A stretch of North Gene Autry Trail in Palm Springs as well as parts of East Vista Chino and North Indian Canyon are closed in the city.

There was a total of 15 fire engines, two ladder trucks, a medic squad and three battalion chiefs at the height of the fire.

The First Alert Weather Team has issued a Weather Alert through Sunday night due to another round of strong winds.

News Channel 3 has a crew on the scene and will be providing updates as we learn more information.