Indio home destroyed by fire

An Indio home was completely destroyed after a fire ignited Tuesday morning, and as the investigation continues, neighbors in the area are sharing their thoughts about the possible cause.

Cal Fire officials said the fire sparked on Aztec Street near Avenue 44 at 10:45 a.m. The home was completely engulfed in flames and homes nearby were also threatened by the fire.

Crews worked to protect the surrounding homes and were able to douse the flames within a half hour. The home is a complete loss.

Firefighters said the home was vacant and transients have been known to frequent the area. Officials also said there was quite a bit of dead vegetation in the yard which helped spread the fire quickly.

A woman who lives nearby told us homeless people have been seen living in the home and she has reported the activity to the police and the city, but nothing is ever done about it.

While neighbors and firefighters speculate about the possible cause, the investigation is ongoing.

Indio police officers closed some roads in the area while firefighters were working the blaze and clearing the scene, Sgt. Dan Marshall with the Indio Police Department said.

KESQ and CBS Local 2 will have more details as soon as they’re available.