August 26, 2026 – San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department officials report that on Friday, August 21, 2026, at about 8:28 p.m., deputies from the Morongo Basin Station and the San Bernardino County Fire Department responded to the 6000 block of Ocotillo Avenue in reference to an explosion.

When deputies arrived, they observed a residence fully engulfed in flames. Two males were rescued from the residence by bystanders and transported to nearby hospitals with burns. One female was unable to escape the residence, succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The Sheriff’s Specialized Enforcement Division – Arson / Bomb Detail responded and assumed the investigation, which is ongoing. 

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact the Arson / Bomb Detail at (909) 805-4937. Callers wishing to remain anonymous should call or text REPORT to We-Tip at 844-909-3006.  Online reporting is also available at:  https://mobile.catapultems.com/sbcsd/Sites.

DATE/TIME: August 21, 2026 / 8:28 P.M.

INCIDENT: Death Investigation

LOCATION: 6000 Block of Ocotillo Avenue, Twentynine Palms

VICTIM 1: 72-year-old Male Resident of Twentynine Palms

VICTIM 2: 41-year-old Male Resident of Twentynine Palms

VICTIM 3: 46-year-old Female (deceased) Resident of Twentynine Palms

Refer: Deputy I. Vega

Station: San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department Arson/ Bomb Detail

Phone No. (909) 805-4937

Case No. 202601227

Source: San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department