FAMILY DISPLACED AFTER TWENTYNINE PALMS RESIDENTIAL FIRE

Smoke from a residential fire that displaced a Twentynine Palms family could be seen for miles Tuesday afternoon. Three County engine companies, along with firefighters from the Combat Center, were called to the home in the 74400 block of Morning Drive at 12:09 p.m. where they found multiple vehicles and the home well involved with fire.

Initial reports indicated that someone might be inside the home, but County Fire Battalion Chief Mike McClintock said firefighters confirmed the home was vacant. The fire started near an inoperable truck parked in the driveway; the homeowner reported hearing explosions outside near the vehicles. McClintock said firefighters had the fire knocked down in about 15 minutes.

The home suffered damage to the garage, attic, and family room. One vehicle was destroyed and another was damaged. There were no injuries to the resident or firefighters. The American Red Cross was called to provide assistance to the family. McClintock said the cause of the blaze is under investigation.