Thermal Fire 40% Contained, Evacuation Order Lifted

By City News Service, shutterstock image

A brush fire fueled by thick mulch and Tamarisk trees blackened 80 acres today, slightly injured two firefighters and forced the evacuation of a mobile home park in Thermal.

The blaze was reported at 10:26 a.m. at Avenue 66 and Harrison Street, said Jennifer Fuhrman of the Riverside County Fire Department.

Avenue 66 was closed between Tyler and East Harrison streets, and an evacuation center was set up at Desert Mirage High School for those living in the mobile home park, then later moved to Coachella Valley High School, 83800 Airport Blvd. in Thermal.

The evacuation order was lifted at 6 p.m., Fuhrman said.

Two firefighters were evaluated for non-life-threatening injuries. A Sun Bus Transit Agency coach with air conditioning was sent to the scene to provide a place for firefighters to recover and escape the heat, Fuhrman said.

The fire was 40 percent contained as of 8:30 p.m.