Evacuees Seek Shelter and Support as Rosa Fire Keeps Residents from Returning Home

As of this morning, many Coachella Valley residents remain unable to return home as mandatory evacuation orders stay in effect for communities near Highway 74.

NBC Palm Springs’ Kaley Robinson visited one of the shelters in Palm Desert assisting evacuees and spoke with Leonard, a resident of Pinyon Pines, who has been displaced since Monday.

“It’s the not knowing,” Leonard said. “I don’t know when we’ll be able to go back, when the power will be restored. All the food in the refrigerator is no good.”

Leonard, who’s been separated from his family and pets, is one of many seeking refuge while Cal Fire crews continue to battle the Rosa Fire.

Helping evacuees on the ground is Lois Beckman, director for the Red Cross in the Coachella Valley. “There’s always that question: Am I going to have a place to go back to?” Beckman said. “People are nervous, of course. We’re here to provide comfort, hope, and let them know they’re not alone.”

Containment efforts on the Rosa Fire are ongoing, but officials have yet to announce when the evacuation orders will be lifted. NBC Palm Springs will continue to provide updates as new information becomes available.

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