Fire damages 14 mobile homes & 12 vehicles in Desert Hot Springs, 100 people evacuated
A fire that spread to several mobile homes led to about 100 people being evacuated from a mobile home park in Desert Hot Springs.
Update: Wednesday, July 19 at 5:00 a.m.
The American Red Cross told News Channel 3 it took over operations at the evacuation center from Riverside County Emergency Services around 9:00 p.m. Tuesday night.
17 families spent the night at the evacuation center located at Desert Hot Springs High School. In total, it was about 51 people, at least 20 of them children.
The American Red Cross is helping families by providing cots for them to sleep on, blankets, food, and water.
David Faust, the manager of the evacuation center said many of the people who arrived at the center only had the clothes on their backs.
Firefighters have not allowed families back onto the RV and mobile home park grounds due to utilities being shut off for safety reasons.
The cause of the fire is still being determined.
The American Red Cross will continue offering its services to those displaced as long as it is needed. Anyone wishing to help can donate to American Red Cross's general fund on its website.
It is asking no one show up to Desert Hot Springs High School with donations.
Original Story:
Police and Cal Fire officials held a news conference to discuss the fire:
The fire was first reported at around 12:34 p.m. at the County Squire RV and Mobile Home Park on Dillon Road, west of Palm Drive.
Cal Fire confirmed there are initially seven mobile homes on fire. By 1:55 p.m., officials confirmed that nine mobile homes were destroyed and five were damaged. Additionally, 12 vehicles were destroyed by the fire.
No people were injured, however, Cal Fire officials said there were multiple animals that were either dead or injured.
CHP is on scene assisting with evacuating all homes within the MHP due to the impingement of a 500-gallon propane tank, Cal Fire said.
“There was also a large fuel tank of some sort that was off-gassing and immediate evacuations were required,” said Mike Beverlin, Cal Fire Division Chief.
The Desert Hot Springs Police Department has requested a SunBus to the location to act as a mobile cool center.
An evacuation center/cooling center has been set up at Desert Hot Springs High School. The center has mental health counselors and multiple resources for those who have lost their homes.
Riverside University Health System statement on psychological assistance for evacuees.
Riverside University Health System swiftly dispatched its highly trained Mobile Crisis Team this afternoon to offer mental health services and emotional support to individuals affected by the fire in Desert Hot Springs.
Dr. Matthew Chang, Director for RUHS-Behavioral Health, emphasized the significance of providing mental health and emotional support during such an emergency.
"Offering immediate mental health care and emotional support is crucial during the turmoil and distress caused by a disaster. Early intervention helps survivors cope with the emotional aftermath, reduces the risk of long-term psychological impact, and fosters resilience throughout the recovery process."Riverside University Health System - Behavioral Health will continue to provide crisis support, mental health services, and emotional assistance to the victims of the Desert Hot Springs fire.
If individuals need to be connected to mental health services, they are encouraged to call the CARES Line at 800-499-3008 or visit RUHealth.org for assistance.
“If they need housing, they will be able to stay here overnight. Red Cross is on the scene here talking to individuals as they come in and finding out what needs they have and then how grid costs can also assist them,” said DHSPD Deputy Chief Steven Shaw.
Shaw emphasized the importance of staying away from the damaged mobile home park.
“There's absolutely no utility services available at the park right now. So there's no power, no water, no no gas or anything like that. So and again with the heat. It's not a safe environment for folks to go back into the house," Shaw said.
He said police will continue to monitor the area.
“They're going to be there until this situation is resolved there. So folks' property is safe. We're not letting folks go in there. We will not tolerate any type of looting or anything like that going on there. We're not letting folks go in there,“ Shaw said.
Cal Fire said additional resources were requested. Cathedral City FD, Hemet City FD, Palm Springs FD and Soboba FD assisted with containing the fire.
#PalmIC [UPDATE] Firefighters are still working to contain the fire. Resources are anticipated to remain on scene for six hours. pic.twitter.com/Ft71KJkT46
— CAL FIRE/Riverside County Fire Department (@CALFIRERRU) July 18, 2023
Palm Springs FD wrote on social media that "very high winds" and the temperature of 112 degrees are hampering fire suppression.
If you like to assist those affected by the fire, officials said you can come to the evacuation center at Desert Hot Springs High School.
Stay with News Channel 3 for continuing updates.
