An investigation was underway Friday into a fire of more than three acres that scorched nearly 100 palm trees at the Prescott Preserve in Palm Springs.
Palm Springs Police Chief Andrew Mills shared on social media Thursday that detectives continue to search the area for evidence that may support arson or reckless starting of the “suspicious” fire.
Additionally, they reported that a woman who was seen about 20 minutes prior to the fire may have additional information, and they would seek her assistance if found. She was described as white, 5 feet, 8 inches, with blond hair and was walking a dog. She is not considered a suspect, but detectives would like to interview her, Mills said.
The blaze was reported shortly before 2:20 p.m. Sunday near the preserve’s pond, according to the Palm Springs Fire Department.
No injuries were reported and there was no damage to nearby structures.
“What makes this loss even more painful is that we can say with a high degree of certainty that this fire was human-caused,” Jane Garrison, founder and executive director of Oswit Land Trust, said in a statement Sunday.
“The fire seems to have started around the palm trees, off-trail and right next to the water. It is important to be clear that this fire was not caused by dry conditions. The pond area is quite green and healthy,” Garrison added.
Anyone with information on the whereabouts of the woman or on the fire was asked to call the department at 760-323-8116.