Palm Springs fire chief details response to Prescott Preserve blaze, outlines prevention steps

Palm Springs Fire Chief Paul Alvarado presented a review Wednesday of the Feb. 1 fire at Prescott Preserve, detailing the city’s response, ongoing investigation, and a series of fire prevention measures now underway near the 120-acre nature preserve.

The fire broke out at approximately 2:15 p.m. on Feb. 1 near the preserve’s turtle pond, between Farrell and Compadre Road. Alvarado said 36 firefighters from Palm Springs, Cathedral City, and CAL FIRE responded after a second alarm was requested, and the fire was contained in about two hours. No injuries were reported.

The fire destroyed approximately 100 palm trees and burned roughly 3.5 acres. No structures were damaged.

The cause remains under investigation. Alvarado said a person was seen leaving the area just minutes before the fire started, and human cause and origin could not be ruled out.

Alvarado said the rapid containment was due in large part to pre-planning and training at the site, as well as prior incidents at the preserve. He noted the fire highlighted the challenges of fighting fires in areas with heavy natural fuels in an urban environment, including palm trees exceeding 50 feet in height and the potential for ember casting even in low-wind conditions.

“Wildland fires occur year round in Southern California,” Alvarado said, adding that rapid fire spread should be expected in hot and dry conditions and that requesting additional resources early is critical.

Code Compliance Director Veronica Goedhart told the council her department has had a dedicated code officer visiting the preserve weekly since the spring of 2024, and that the officer maintains a working relationship with Oswit Land Trust staff and volunteers. Since the fire, Goedhart said her department has agreed to provide real-time updates to nearby Mesquite Country Club homeowners from those weekly inspections.

“We’ve also gone out to the property with members of the fire department and walked the grounds with them to address their concerns,” Goedhart said.

The city held a community meeting on Feb. 19 and conducted a site visit with fire and code officials on March 4. Officials said HOA properties near the preserve were found to be well maintained and fire-resistant, with good hydrant access and minimal vegetation near structures.

Among the prevention measures announced, the city plans to install a landscaped buffer zone between the preserve and nearby homes, featuring low-profile, drought- and fire-resistant plants designed to slow the spread of fire. The project is funded through a state grant, is awaiting permits, and planting is expected in fall 2026.

Fire Marshal Taylor Teeple said the department also inspects the Mesquite Country Club annually, checking gate access for fire vehicles, hydrant accessibility, fire extinguisher maintenance, and general code compliance. Teeple said the complex is well maintained, with only minor violations found in recent years.

Teeple also recommended that the HOA board move forward with installing ember-resistant attic vents, saying wind-driven embers entering attic spaces are a leading cause of residential fire losses. He said the vents are available at local hardware stores, with prices ranging from $69 to just over $500.

Alvarado said the city will begin its annual brush mitigation program on May 5, starting in the Little Tuscany neighborhood and working south to clear brush 100 feet from residences on all city lots within the very high fire zone.

The council took no action on the item, receiving and filing the report.

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