295-Acre Brush Fire West Of Palm Desert Stopped

Palm Desert CA

24 August, 2021

7:30 PM

Description

8:30 a.m. Aug. 25, 2021 update: The fire charred 295 acres and was 30 percent contained. All evacuations were lifted. ANZA, CA — A brush fire that erupted Tuesday at the south end of Anza, scorched approximately 250 acres and threatened homes before firefighters were able to stop it. The blaze was reported shortly before 2 p.m. in the area of Gully View Drive and Rock Canyon Road, bordering the Cahuilla Indian Reservation, according to Cal Fire/Riverside County Fire Department.The agency said multiple engine and hand crews were sent to the location and encountered flames burning to the north at a moderate rate. In total, 200 firefighters were summoned. Three Cal Fire water-dropping helicopters and five air tankers were called to the location to make runs on the brusher, which by 3 p.m. was threatening residences along Ramsey Road, according to reports from the scene. Sheriff's deputies closed access to traffic and warned residents of evacuations. At 4:50 p.m., evacuation orders were issued for residents South of Bailey Road, West of Terwilliger Road, South of Nickerson and Tule Canyon Truck Trail and East of Nicholson Springs Road, Cal Fire/Riverside County Fire Department said. An evacuation warning was issued for residents South of Coyote Canyon Road, East of Terwilliger Road, North of Tule Canyon Truck Trail and West of Covered Wagon Trail, according to the agency. Large and small animals were able to be taken to the San Jacinto Animal Campus at 581 S. Grand Avenue in San Jacinto, the agency said. There was no immediate word on what sparked the fire. Firefighters were expected to remain at the site through the night to fully contain the blaze. Related: Advisory Extended In RivCo Due To Smoke From NorCal Wildfires —Toni McAllister contributed to this report.