August 4, 2009
Blackout in Cathedral City; county issues heat warning
Colin Atagi
The Desert Sun
A utility pole fire left several Cathedral City homes without power Monday as county officials encouraged residents this week to do whatever they can to stave off triple-digit temperatures.
The utility pole caught fire about 4:15 p.m. at the Sky Ridge Mobile Home Park at H Street and Van Fleet Avenue.
Cathedral City firefighters responded, but there were no reports of injuries or damage, officials said.
Electricity was shut off in the area while firefighters cleared the scene, leaving an unknown number of residents to endure 110-degree temperatures that afternoon without power. It was unclear when power was restored.
Earlier that day, officials with the Riverside County Department of Public Health issued a heat warning for the Coachella Valley that is scheduled to last through Wednesday.
“I've been issuing (warnings) since the middle of July for the desert,” county epidemiologist Danyte Mockus said.
Highs of at least 110 degrees should be expected through Friday, National Weather Service meteorologist Stan Wasowski said.
Officials encourage residents who are susceptible to the heat, including the elderly and young children, to visit county cooling centers this week.
People with headaches, dizziness, weakness, muscle pains, nausea or vomiting should try to remain in a cool place and drink water to prevent dehydration, they said.
Colin Atagi is a reporter for The Desert Sun. He can be reached at via e-mail at Colin.Atagi@thedesertsun.com or by phone at (760) 778-4645.
For your nearest cooling center, visit http://www.rivcohealthdata.org/home/index.htm
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