-Editorial
A third alarm fire broke out Monday afternoon in Heber, prompting a full regional emergency response due to the scale and complexity of the incident. The fire, reported around 1:00 p.m., involved two box trucks, multiple vehicles, several mobile home trailers, and acres of open field, according to the Imperial County Fire Department.
Firefighters from across Imperial Valley responded to the scene, including mutual aid from El Centro, Calexico, Westmoreland, and Holtville fire departments, as well as Centinela State Prison Fire. Additional support came from the California Highway Patrol, Imperial County Sheriff’s Office, American Medical Response, and the Imperial Irrigation District.
The fire has since been contained, and mop-up operations are currently underway.
One family has been displaced as a result of the fire, and about 14 IID customers remain without electricity. Power restoration efforts are ongoing. The American Red Cross is assisting the displaced family and is providing food and support services to fire crews at the scene.
Traffic continues to be diverted in the area, and the public is urged to avoid the vicinity while emergency operations continue.
Imperial County Fire Chief David Lantzer thanked all agencies involved for their swift coordination and dedication to public safety.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
