Fire destroys trailer, vehicles near Animal Samaritans in Thousand Palms, 40 pets evacuated
THOUSAND PALMS, Calif. (KESQ) - About 40 pets were evacuated after a fire destroyed an abandoned mobile home and several vehicles near Animal Samaritans in Thousand Palms Tuesday morning.
The fire was initially reported at around 9:40 a.m. on the 72000 block of Varner Road at what CAL FIRE initially called a "vacant single-wide, mobile home." We've since learned the mobile home was refurbished, not abandoned.
CAL FIRE says the blaze was contained at around 10:30 a.m. Crews remain at the scene for a couple of hours for salvage and overhaul before clearing out.
According to CAL FIRE, the animal shelter was evacuated as a precaution. CAL FIRE initially reported 80 animals were evacuated as a precaution, however, Animal Samiritans later clarified that it was 40 pets.
Tom Snyder, CEO of Animal Samaritans, told News Channel 3's Gavin Nguyen that evacuated animals were being held at their vet clinic.
Snyder added that their back awning burned, and some windows were blown out from the heat.
A News Channel 3 crew at the scene also spotted several vehicles destroyed by the fire.
No injuries to people or animals have been reported. SoCalGas and Southern California Edison have been requested.
Stay with News Channel 3 for continuing updates. We'll have live coverage starting at Noon.
