A historical building – part of the unique history of Twentynine Palms – burned last night (February 13).
The original Desert Trail building, built by pioneer Bill Underhill in 1937 at 5770 Adobe Road, will most likely be declared a total loss after the stubborn fire got into a space between the attic and the roof that owner and architect Ann Congdon said was standard at the time to provide a cooling space.
San Bernardino County Battalion Chief Bob Evans said the fire was reported at about 7:00 pm and quickly grew to an inferno in the old building. Evans said that the incident became an “all hands on deck fire” in which every county engine was engaged from throughout the basin along with assistance from the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center.
The fire was extinguished around 9 p.m and there were no injuries.
Condon said the iconic structure, labeled a “Community heirloom” had been plagued by squatters, but fire officials said no occupants could be located. The cause of the fire is being called suspicious and both County Fire and Sheriff’s Arson investigators have been called in.
