Palm Desert Home Nearly Destroyed in Early Morning Fire

Firefighters are investigating the cause of an early morning blaze that all by destroyed a local home.

The fire was first reported at 3:51 a.m. at a vacant house in the 72400 Block Cactus Dr, near Fred Waring Drive and Highway 111, according to Melody Hendrickson of the Riverside County Fire Department.

The 1,800 square foot house had flames pouring out the roof when firefighters got to the scene, but a "quick attack by first arriving engine companies" stopped the fire from spreading to nearby residences, Hendrickson said.

Reports indicate that the fire was fully contained by the 23 firefighters and 6 engines by 4:13 a.m.

According to Hendrickson, the sheriff's deputies from the Palm Desert station were called out to help crowd control some of the onlookers who had gathered to watch the fire.

No one was hurt in the fire, but crews say the exterior of the house was 75 percent destroyed.  Losses are estimated at $200,000.