Source Of Pechanga Resort Fire Sought

TEMECULA, CA — An investigation was continuing Tuesday into what sparked a fire in an elevator shaft at the Pechanga Resort Casino in Temecula that triggered the hotel's evacuation.

According to a resort spokeswoman, the Pechanga Tribal Fire Department was working with Cal Fire investigators to determine the source of Monday's three-alarm blaze. The fire was reported shortly after 11 a.m. Monday in an elevator portal located within the original tower of the expanded main complex at 45000 Pechanga Parkway.

One person suffered an unspecified burn injury and was taken to Temecula Valley Hospital for treatment, according to reports from the scene.

As of Tuesday, three of the the hotel tower's six elevators were working, according to Pechanga representatives.

"Those evacuated from the building were allowed back to their rooms by the early evening Monday," a spokeswoman said. "Fire mop up at the elevator shaft that was the site of the incident was completed late yesterday...Pechanga thanks our first responders for their quick action, and our guests for their patience and remaining calm."

Pechanga spokeswoman Ciara Green said the entire hotel was evacuated during the fire as a precaution and noted that "the incident was not near the casino." The fire was declared 100 percent contained about 1 p.m.

Pechanga fire personnel were first to reach the scene and summoned assistance from Riverside County, Corona, March Air Reserve Base, Murrieta, Riverside and Soboba Reservation fire agencies.

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• Elevator Portal Fire At Pechanga Prompts Large Emergency Response

— City News Service contributed to this report