Desert Hot Springs and state officials update Squire Mobile Home Park Residents on the status of their homes a week after fire

We're continuing to follow the aftermath of the fire at the County Squire RV and Mobile Home Park in Desert Hot Springs.

Dozens of residents have been staying at Desert Hot Springs High School while they wait to get the clearance to return to their homes.

The first left almost a hundred people out of their homes, and some people without homes to return to. Residents say they've had concerns with the safety of the property long before the fire started.

On Monday residents heard from Desert Hot Spring City leaders, the property owners, and the state's Housing and Community Development Department.

I asked Desert Hot Springs Council Member, Russell Betts what he would say to residents that are hesitant about coming back because of safety concerns.

Betts says, "I think all the state agencies are going to make sure that everything's safe. And our city is watching it very carefully, even though we don't have direct jurisdiction."

The property management company cleared some residents to return to their homes as early as Friday.

Meanwhile the state's Housing and Community Development also known as the HDC, says they're still conducting investigations for clearance.

"With regard to the specific fire that happened last week in the park, HCD is currently investigating the park for health and safety conditions and will likely take enforcement action to issues," says Kyle Krause, with the California Department of Housing and Community Development.

HDC officials say they'll be handing out two types of notices, one for park violations and another for resident violations.

Residents voiced their concerns regarding upcoming rent, debris clean up, safety concerns and utility upgrades.

"In our efforts to clean up the fire debris...that falls under the responsibility of a homeowner we did not own a mobile home so we can literally just go and get rid of the debris," says a representative with the Squire Mobile Home Park Property's Management.

Property Management representatives say residents will have up to two weeks to clear the debris because of health and safety issues.

Solutions are pending for those who don't have a place to return to.

"Ultimately, the idea is for those who have lost their houses, is to try and find out, how do we get them into housing, and we've had people who have rental units available who have stepped up. So hopefully, that'll be a good outcome for those residents as well," says Council Member Betts.

A lot of issues were discussed at Tuesday's meeting were of concern long before the fire, and residents say there is more work to be done.