Illegal Trash Dump Fire Smolders Near Desert Hot Springs

Palm Desert CA

14 June, 2022

1:06 PM

Description

DESERT HOT SPRINGS, CA — Firefighters worked into Tuesday to fully douse and contain a refuse fire to one acre while winds gusted through the area in Desert Hot Springs. The blaze was reported at around 6 p.m. Monday at the 66900 block of 20th Avenue, according to the Riverside County Fire Department. Howling winds did not help the battle to keep the fire from spreading as firefighters worked in gusty conditions. One acre of an illegal dump caught fire and threatened 20 to 30 structures overnight, according to Cal Fire / Riverside County Fire Department Battalion Chief Tim Bingham. The Cathedral City Fire Department assisted with the overnight firefight. Wind and blowing sand along with smoke kept visibility low. One acre with multiple debris piles burned overnight and into Tuesday. The Cathedral City Fire Department assisted in battling of the fire, which was burning in piles of refuse and mulch. Firefighters worked overnight to keep the fire from spreading and other crews were assigned Tuesday morning to suppress the fire. No one was hurt during the firefight, and the cause of the fire remains unknown as of this report.