A fire in a Palm Desert strip mall has caused the destruction of four businesses, including Papa Dan’s Pizza & Pasta, according to the Riverside County Fire Department. The fire broke out around 3:40 a.m. near the intersection of Country Club Drive and Monterey Avenue, with firefighters finding heavy flames upon arrival and calling for a second alarm.
Six residences in the vicinity of the strip mall were evacuated temporarily, but residents were able to return home safely once the fire was put out. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported except for a deputy from the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department who sustained minor injuries and was taken to a hospital.
Fire crews remained on the scene for overhaul and salvage, resulting in the closure of East County Club Drive between Monterey Avenue and Sagewood Drive. The cause of the fire is still unknown at this time.