CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
DATE: March 25, 2026 BUSINESS & LEGISLATIVE
SUBJECT: REVIEW OF PRESCOTT PRESERVE FIRE
FROM: Scott C. Stiles, City Manager
BY: Fire Department and Department of Special Program Compliance SUMMARY:
This agenda item provides the City Council with a summary and analysis of the fire that occurred at Prescott Preserve on February 1, 2026, and outlines the City of Palm Springs’ response to the incident. The report details the sequence of events, the emergency response, and the subsequent actions taken by City staff to address the community concerns and ongoing fire mitigation efforts.
RECOMMENDATION:
Receive and file.
BACKGROUND:
On February 1, 2026, at approximately 2:00 p.m., a fire occurred at the Prescott Preserve, burning approximately 3.5 acres and destroying an estimated 100 palm trees. The fire originated near the turtle pond area within the preserve. Fire crews successfully contained the fire by approximately 4:00 p.m. No injuries or structural damage were reported. The cause of the fire remains under investigation and is believed to be human-caused.
Key Details
Cause: Believed to be human-caused; investigation ongoing. Damage: Approximately 100 palm trees destroyed and significant damage to the oasis area.
Location: Prescott Preserve between Farrell Drive and Compadre Road, south of Ramon Road.
Response: 36 firefighters from Palm Springs, Cathedral City, and CAL FIRE responded to contain the fire. Nearby residents also assisted by using garden hoses during the initial stages of the incident.
Impact: Trails on the east side of Farrell Drive were temporarily closed during response and recovery operations.
City Council Staff Report
March 25, 2026 -- Page 2
Review of Prescott Preserve Fire
STAFF RESPONSE:
At approximately 2:17 p.m., firefighters from the Palm Springs Fire Department responded to reports of a vegetation fire within the 120-acre Prescott Preserve.
A second alarm was subsequently issued, bringing additional personnel from the Cathedral City Fire Department and CAL FIRE. At the time of arrival, multiple palm trees were already burning and there was potential for the fire to spread further in the preserve. Fire crews responded aggressively, utilizing specialized equipment, including a water tender capable of transporting several thousand gallons of water.
The fire ultimately burned approximately 3.5 acres of natural habitat, including roughly 100 palm trees located near the walking trails in the palm oasis area of the preserve.
At the City Council meeting of February 11, 2026, City staff provided a briefing to the City Council regarding the incident. The briefing outlined the rapid mutual-aid response, confirmed that no injuries occurred, and described ongoing vegetation management and fire mitigation efforts within the preserve.
During the Council meeting, nearby residents provided public comment requesting additional inspections and clearer communication regarding fire mitigation measures. In response, City staff met with residents on February 19, 2026, to discuss their concerns and provide additional information regarding the City’s maintenance and mitigation efforts. At that meeting, residents again expressed concerns regarding fire safety and vegetation management. City staff provided a detailed overview of the mitigation work that has been completed within the preserve, as well as ongoing vegetation management efforts intended to reduce fire risk.
City staff also committed to maintaining ongoing communication with the Mesquite Country Homeowners Association. In addition, a site visit was scheduled with the Palms Springs Fire Department and Code Enforcement staff to review conditions within the preserve.
The site visit occurred on March 4, 2026. A summary of that visit is attached to this report as Attachment A. The City’s code compliance staff continues to monitor the Preserve on a bi-weekly basis, working cooperatively with Oswit Land Trust staff to promptly address any concerns as they arise.
FISCAL IMPACT:
None.
City Council Staff Report
March 25, 2026 -- Page 2
Review of Prescott Preserve Fire
City Council Staff Report
March 25, 2026 -- Page 3
Review of Prescott Preserve Fire
REVIEWED BY:
Fire Chief: Paul Alvarado
Director of Special Program Compliance: Veronica Goedhart City Manager: Scott Stiles
ATTACHMENTS:
A. March 4, 2026 Summary Report