Officials determine cause of Palm Desert fire

Investigators with Cal Fire have confirmed the cause of a large fire that ignited at a commercial building in the 74800 block of Joni Drive in Palm Desert Tuesday afternoon.

Officials said a car was being worked on inside the building and ended up sparking the fire. Cal Fire officials also said they were on scene within seven minutes of getting the call at about 1:40 p.m.

Cal Fire Spokesman Lucas Spelman said the fire started in the Rough and Ready store. The store contained ammunition, vintage army vehicles and military memorabilia. The sound of ammunition could be heard loudly at the scene as the fire ignited.

“First building looks to be a total loss. We’ll have to wait for what the investigators say,” CalFire public information officer Lucas Spelman said.

Spelman says the fire reached a total of three businesses including one that housed more than 70 years of antique military vehicles and equipment.

It was a dangerous combination when the fire set off ammunition in the building. Law enforcement evacuated people out of the immediate area for safety.

“No injuries, civilian or firefighter. But it was definitely a dangerous fire,” Spelman said.

One person said they were worried the fire would reach their family business nearby.

“I was thinking what if it spread to my dads shop and obviously the safety of everyone here,” Javier Banuelos with Frank’s Auto said.

The owner of the Rough and Ready did not want to be interviewed on camera, but he was in shock looking at the charred remains. Another business next door, Shipping Services USA, was also damaged.
The fire was contained by about 4 p.m.