The so-called Rosa Fire was reported just before 12:30 p.m. near Highway 74 in the mountains southwest of the Coachella Valley.
As of 10:15 p.m., the Rosa Fire had burned 1,200 acres and remained at 0% contained.
California Highway Patrol officers shut down both sides of Highway 74 between the junction at Highway 371 in Anza to the west and the area around the Big Horn Golf Club, just south of Palm Desert, spanning almost 25 miles.
Six Cal Fire air tankers and three water-dropping helicopters made a series of runs on the fire that initially slowed its progress early Monday afternoon. However, as winds increased through the mountains, the brusher accelerated, according to reports from the scene.
South Coast AQMD issued a Smoke Advisory due to the Gifford, Rosa, and Gold Fire and is set to expire Tuesday 11:59 p.m.
Evacuation orders are issued for the following areas:
RVC-1983-A
RVC-2051
RVC-2121
RVC-2122-A
North of Highway 74/Springcrest Dr.
South of Alpine Rd.
East of Pine View Dr.
West of Scenic Dr.
Evacuation warnings are issued for the following zones:
RVC-1984
RVC-2052
RVC-2122-B
Care and reception centers have been established in Anza, San Jacinto and Thousand Palms.
No injuries have been reported. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
City News Service contributed to this report.