Fairview Fire forces principal of La Quinta High School to evacuate Anza home

The Fairview Fire has forced many people to evacuate their homes, including the principal of LA Quinta High School, who had to leave his home in Anza.

"Never in my 15 years of living up there, we've never been evacuated. So that was unusual," said Dr. Rudy Wilson.

Even though wildfires often spark near his home, this is his first evacuation order. Police officers placed a mandatory evacuation in his area late Thursday night.

"They stood at the fence of my property and use their loudspeaker to announce that it's a mandatory evacuation, and I noticed that they went up and down the street, and they pretty much did the same thing," said Wilson.

His family went to stay with relatives in the Coachella Valley. However, Wilson chose to stay behind despite the mandatory evacuation order.

"You had a lot of looting because people were evacuated. And so even though police-- they showed a presence, but they still had several homes that were looted because of the fires," said Wilson. "I wanted to make certain that with the evacuation order that I could do whatever I needed to do to protect my property, and fortunately, we were fine." 

On Saturday, three people were found and arrested for stealing from residences inside the evacuated properties.

Wilson left his home Friday morning. The evacuation lasted about 24 hours in total. He has since been able to return safely to his home. 

"By no means is it a wealthy community. So not everyone has the resources to just on a heartbeat evacuate, especially if they have livestock, or they live in areas, which is a little bit tougher to get out of," said Wilson. " I was fearful for my neighbors, to be honest."

Wilson was especially worried for the safety of his older neighbors.

"My neighbors-- I will certainly keep in my in my mind a little bit more," said Wilson. "Just my take away is this just be kind to your neighbors and check in on your neighbors once in a while... The material stuff, you can replace, the lives you can't."

Hoping that next time he can be better prepared to help anyone in need.

Fairview Fire Update 6:00 a.m. Monday, September 12

The fire is marked at 28,307 acres, and 53% contained. Cal Fire expects the Fairview Fire to be completely put out by September 17.

Click here for current evacuation orders and warnings from the Fairview Fire.