Firefighters fully contained a fire they were fighting at a towing and storage building in North Palm Springs early Wednesday, but the cause of the blaze remained under investigation.
No one was injured in the fire that burned for nearly 24 hours, but one property caretaker was displaced and was being helped by the American Red Cross, according to the Riverside County Fire Department.
The fire broke out around 2:40 a.m. Tuesday at All-American Towing and Storage Lot on Wilson Road, Cal Fire Captain David Petrinovich said. That's just south of Interstate 10.
"I was in shock, because When I left here yesterday, it was standing," said Russell Pittman, who told KPSP he works at the auto yard. "So, I was like, oh my goodness."
Pittman said he briefly spoke with the yard's owner who told him he was very upset.
"He just said everything is gone... He said the shop is gone," Pittman said.
The unidentified owner told Cal Fire that he believes the fire may have started as an act of arson. But Cal Fire said the owner's speculations are not based on facts and they are still investigating the cause.
A KPSP Local 2 News crew at the scene reported the fire was still smoldering Friday afternoon due to burning supplies, tires, car parts and chemicals. Hazmat crews have been on site all day as well.
Earlier in the day, firefighters waited for a brick building to collapse because it was too dangerous to go in to the building to try to put the flames out. The roof eventually collapsed.
Fire crews said they will continue investigating the cause of the blaze and urged those living near the fire to stay inside with the windows and doors closed.
Back in March, Riverside County Sheriff's Department, SWAT Team and Bomb Squad raided the All-American Towing and Storage Lot after receiving a tip that stolen property was being stored there. Police said they found one stolen motorhome and parts of seven stolen vehicles. But the owner of the towing lot said he ran a clean business. Police questioned the owner and he was later released.
