-Editorial
The City of El Centro Fire Department (ECFD) has been actively involved in mutual aid efforts, providing crucial support to emergency operations both locally and across the state. Over the past two days, ECFD has responded to significant wildfires in Yuma, Arizona, and Los Angeles County.
On Tuesday evening, ECFD answered a mutual aid request from Arizona Wildfire Dispatch, sending a Type 6 engine and a Battalion Chief to assist with a wildfire in the Rural Metro Yuma and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) response areas. The fire, which threatened structures near Levy Road and the Colorado River, required coordinated efforts with resources from the Imperial County Fire Department (ICFD) and the Holtville Fire Department.
Firefighters worked overnight, from 8:45 p.m. to 6:30 a.m., focusing on structure protection to prevent the flames from damaging nearby properties. High winds posed additional challenges, increasing the risk to residential areas.
Today, ECFD deployed personnel to Los Angeles County as part of a strike team combating the Eaton Fire. The wildfire, which began on January 7, has already burned more than 10,600 acres and is currently 0% contained. Its cause remains under investigation.
ECFD sent a Type 6 engine staffed by three personnel, along with a Battalion Chief serving as Strike Team Leader, to assist. The team is working alongside ICFD and Holtville Fire Department resources to battle the rapidly spreading fire fueled by dry conditions and strong winds.
The City of El Centro praised the dedication and bravery of its firefighters and reaffirmed its commitment to mutual aid efforts.
In addition, the Imperial County Fire Department (ICFD) deployed resources to Yuma, Arizona, Tuesday night following a mutual aid request from the Arizona Wildfire Dispatch. Battalion 2805C and Engine 8 were dispatched to assist in battling a fast-moving wildfire near Levy Road and the Colorado River, which threatened the River Ranch Mobile Home Park. High winds pushed flames dangerously close to residential structures, heightening the urgency of containment efforts.
“Our firefighters are trained to respond swiftly and effectively to emergencies like this, both within Imperial County and when our neighboring communities call for assistance,” said ICFD Fire Chief David Lantzer. The Imperial County units are working closely with incident commanders in Yuma to ensure cohesive and efficient operations focused on safeguarding lives and property.
Federal and state resources have also been mobilized for the Los Angeles fires. President Joe Biden approved a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration at Governor Gavin Newsom’s request. This declaration provides federal funding to assist state, tribal, and local governments with emergency costs, including financial aid for residents and businesses affected by the fires.
The U.S. Forest Service has deployed five large air tankers, 10 helicopters, and multiple engines to support firefighting efforts. California has also secured three Fire Management Assistance Grants (FMAGs) from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for the Eaton, Palisades, and Hurst fires.
Governor Newsom emphasized the importance of the coordinated response, stating:
“The situation in Los Angeles is highly dangerous and rapidly evolving. President Biden’s swift action is a huge lift for California — as we throw everything we can into protecting residents with substantial state, local, and federal resources. To all those in Southern California, please continue to listen to local authorities and don’t wait—evacuate if asked.”
State and local officials began tracking weather conditions over the weekend, prepositioning resources on Sunday to prepare for potential wildfires. The coordination between agencies aims to mitigate the impact of the fires and ensure the safety of affected communities.
