Palm Desert Supports Evacuees, Crews Battling RivCo's Rosa Fire

PALM DESERT, CA — The city of Palm Desert has announced that it is supporting victims and evacuees of the Rosa fire, which was still burning south of the city on Wednesday afternoon.

The Rosa fire, raging near Ribbonwood, has spurred evacuations, burned more than 1,650 acres. Residents in Palm Desert should expect heavier traffic locally due to the closure of Highway 74.

As evacuation orders and warnings were still in effect for nearby communities, the city has activated the Palm Desert Community Center as a care and reception site. The center is located at 43900 San Pablo Ave.

The American Red Cross will be on site at the center to assist displaced residents. For those who are in need of pet care, Riverside County Animal Control will be on site at the Coachella Valley Animal Campus.

The Community Center's gym remains closed but the weight room is open to the public, the city said.

Palm Desert officials say they are coordinating closely with Riverside County authorities to provide support and share information as it becomes available.

READ LATEST: Mountain Center Fire Map: Evacuations Remain In Place For 1,658-Acre Rosa Fire East Of Temecula

As of Wednesday morning, there was no word when evacuations will be lifted. Orders and warnings were expanded Monday due to the non-injury blaze. Click here to see the updated evacuation areas.

"The fire remained active overnight, with noticeable fire behavior continuing until approximately 2 a.m.," Cal Fire reported in their situation summary. "Crews (Wednesday) will continue working the interior of the fire and around structures in the evacuation zones."