Palm Springs, CA – Firefighters Killed and Residents Evacuated In Fast Desert Fire

Palm Springs, CA – Three firefighters were killed and two critically injured and more than 200 residents were ordered to leave their homes as a fast-moving brush fire threatened two small communities in the desert near Palm Springs, fire officials said.

Whipped by warm gusting winds, the Esperanza fire started shortly after midnight and later had spread to 4500 acres, Riverside County Fire information officials said.

U/D: 15:57
Fire officials say that they believe the cause of the Fire is arson and the burned out fire truck where three firefighters died this morning has been declared a crime scene.
400 people are trapped at a recreational parking lot surrounded by fire, firefighters have zero control over the fire.

U/D: 17:08
Another fire Fighter has died, and a 5th is in very serious condition.

U/D: 18:06
Up to 3000 Firefighters are combating the blaze to help battled the 10,000 Acres that’s on fire.
The FBI and ATF are on the scene, with many more agents enroute.
ATF said that a professional arsonist started this fire with the intention to cause massive damage. And a reward of 100K is offered for finding the person who set this.

U/D: 23:18
Fire has been 5% contained. 24,000 Acres, and 15 miles of fire are still burning.

FBI says they are reciving numors leads.