A blazing inferno tore through a Palm Desert strip mall, causing the devastation of four businesses including Papa Dan’s Pizza & Pasta. The fire erupted around 3:40 a.m. near the intersection of Country Club Drive and Monterey Avenue, with firefighters discovering intense flames upon arrival and issuing a second alarm.
Six nearby residences were evacuated temporarily, but residents were able to return home safely once the flames were extinguished. Tragically, there were reports of injuries, with a deputy from the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department sustaining minor injuries and being transported to a hospital.
The cause of the fire remains unknown at this time, but fire crews will continue their work on the scene for overhaul and salvage. As a result, East County Club Drive will be closed between Monterey Avenue and Sagewood Drive until further notice.
