Fire At Palm Desert Business Complex Results In Street Closure

PALM DESERT, CA -- A fire that broke out a Palm Desert business complex early Thursday morning resulted in a major street being closed in the area for much of the day while crews worked to clean up after the blaze.

Firefighters responded to a fire on Joni Drive near Cook Street about 5 a.m., according to Cal Fire Riverside, after heavy smoke and flames were reported coming from the building, which is located in an industrial area that includes multiple automotive-related businesses.

By about 9:30 a.m., firefighters and city of Palm Desert Public Works crews were working on cleaning up the damage caused by the fire. Southbound lanes of Cook Street were closed at Avenue 42, Palm Desert spokesman David Hermann said.

During the day, drivers heading south on Cook were being diverted onto Green Way, where they could turn around to take Hovley Lane east or west to another north-south thoroughfare such as Portola Avenue, Washington Street or Monterey Avenue, Hermann said.

Northbound lanes of Cook Street were unaffected in the incident.

City News Service contributed to this report.