Patrons and staff evacuated after fire near Indio Dollar Tree; Big Lots red tagged

Cal Fire / Riverside County Fire Department is at the scene of a commercial structure fire that prompted the evacuation of all patrons and staff at an Indio strip mall.

The fire is burning at the 42200 block of Jackson Street and was first reported at approximately 11:51 a.m.

According to Cal Fire Battalion Chief Joe Taylor, first arriving crews couldn't find anything, but upon further investigation, they found smoke inside the Big Lots. The store was evacuated and has now been red tagged,

The Dollar Tree next door was evacuated as a precaution. There was a dumpster fire at the back of the same store Monday night.

Taylor told News Channel 3 that this incident may be related to the last night's fire but the cause is still under investigation.

1 fire engine, 2 trucks, 2 chief officers, breathing support, and 2 medics are at the scene.

We have a crew at the scene working to gather more information, stay with News Channel 3 for updates.