Cause of La Quinta house fire under investigation

An investigation was underway Monday into the cause of a La Quinta house fire that spread to two neighboring structures as firefighters encountered downed power lines and ammunition exploding within the residence.

Heavy smoke was coming from the roof of the single-story residence in the 52500 block of Avenida Carranza when crews arrived at 4:43 p.m. Sunday, said county fire spokeswoman Jennifer Fuhrman.

Multiple threats to containment efforts included downed power lines, while nearby propane tanks and “multiple explosions from ammunition” threatened to spread the fire and endanger the 40 responding firefighters, she said.

The flames eventually spread to two nearby structures, damaging an occupied building and destroying another structure that was under construction, Fuhrman said.

Two people sustained minor burn injuries and are out of their home because of the fire, which caused an estimated $350,000 in damage before being contained at 6:34 p.m., she said.

SunLine Transit Agency buses were used to help rotate firefighters out of the triple-digit heat, she said.