UPDATE: A devastating vegetation fire, known as the Rosa fire, has engulfed 1,200 acres in Riverside County as of Monday night, prompting urgent evacuation orders for nearby communities. The blaze ignited around 12:30 p.m. on Highway 74, east of the Santa Rosa Truck Trail, situated between Palm Desert and Anza.
Fire officials from the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection report that 300 firefighting personnel are actively combating the fire, which is currently 0% contained and spreading at a moderate rate. Evacuation orders have been issued for residents in the communities of Ribbonwood, Pinyon Pines, and Alpine Village, while evacuation warnings are in effect for Pinyon Crest.
In response to the crisis, care and reception centers have been established at the Anza Community Center and the Palm Desert Community Center. Additionally, animal evacuation centers have opened at the San Jacinto Animal Shelter and Coachella Valley Animal Campus to assist displaced pets.
Firefighting efforts are bolstered by a significant deployment of equipment, including 49 engines, 5 dozers, 4 water tenders, and 2 helicopters. The situation is compounded by an air quality advisory issued by the South Coast Air Quality Management District, affecting the Coachella Valley and parts of the Santa Clarita Valley due to smoke from the Rosa fire and other ongoing blazes, including the 72,460-acre Gifford fire in the Los Padres National Forest.
Residents are urged to stay indoors and limit outdoor activities as smoke poses serious health risks. The impact of the Rosa fire on local communities is profound, with families forced to evacuate and seek refuge at emergency centers.
As the situation develops, authorities continue to monitor the fire’s spread and effectiveness of containment efforts. Stay tuned for further updates as this story unfolds.