(This story has been updated with new information.)
Most evacuation orders in populated areas have been lifted for the Rosa Fire along Highway 74, Cal Fire announced Friday morning, as firefighters continued to make progress containing the blaze.
Evacuation orders had been in place since Monday, when the Rosa Fire first started. But on Friday, Cal Fire downgraded evacuation orders for the Pinyon Pines and Alpine Crest communities to evacuation warnings.
An evacuation order is a lawful order to evacuate, while an evacuation warning indicates a potential threat to life and property.
Some evacuation orders remained in place in the lightly populated area around Ribbonwood, which is closer to the fire than Pinyon Pines. But the downgrade will allow people who have been restricted from returning to their home for days to return.
“As you return home, you may see smoke or fire due to unburned pockets of fuel within the fire’s perimeter,” Cal Fire said in a post on X. “If at any time you see smoke or fire that is outside the fire line, or you feel unsafe, call 911 immediately.”
By Saturday morning, Cal Fire had reached 65% containment on the fire, up from 40% the prior morning, and its size remained at nearly 1,700 acres, despite low humidity and hot conditions. Seven structures remained threatened by the blaze as of Saturday, according to Cal Fire.
“The fire continues to hold within the established containment lines,” Cal Fire said. “Pockets of unburned fuels may burn within the interior portions of the fire.”
Road closures continued along Highway 74, at Palm Canyon Drive, and the Santa Rosa Pit Stop. Residents with identification who live in evacuation warning areas can get past the checkpoints.
Sam Morgen covers the city of Palm Springs for The Desert Sun. Reach him at smorgen@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Most evacuation orders now warnings for Rosa Fire; residents can return home
Reporting by Sam Morgen, Palm Springs Desert Sun / Palm Springs Desert Sun
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
