Palm Springs Investigators Seek Witness To Blaze That Destroyed 3 Acres Of Palm Trees In Preserve

PALM SPRINGS, CA — Police are seeking a woman seen minutes before three acres of the Prescott Preserve in Palm Springs ignited, burning 100 palm trees in Palm Springs. They are hoping she might have answers, or witnessed someone who could have started the blaze, according to Police Chief Andrew Mills.

Related: 100 Palm Trees Lost To Arson, Landscape Of Prescott Preserve Altered

Palm Springs Police detectives continue to search the area for evidence that may support arson or reckless starting of the "suspicious" fire.

The woman, seen about 20 minutes before the fire, "may have additional information and would seek her assistance if found," according to Mills.

She was described as white, 5 feet, 8 inches, with blond hair and was walking a dog.

"She is not considered a suspect, but detectives would like to interview her," Mills said.

The blaze was reported shortly before 2:20 p.m. Sunday near the preserve's pond, according to the Palm Springs Fire Department.

No injuries were reported and there was no damage to nearby structures.

"What makes this loss even more painful is that we can say with a high degree of certainty that this fire was human-caused," Jane Garrison, founder and executive director of Oswit Land Trust, said in a statement Sunday.

"The fire seems to have started around the palm trees, off-trail and right next to the water. It is important to be clear that this fire was not caused by dry conditions. The pond area is quite green and healthy," Garrison added.

Anyone with information on the woman's whereabouts or the fire was asked to call the department at 760-323-8116.