-Editorial
A four-alarm commercial fire damaged about five businesses in downtown El Centro late Wednesday, drawing firefighters from across the Imperial Valley and Yuma and leaving the area closed while crews assess the damage.
The El Centro Fire Department responded at about 10:45 p.m. Sept. 16 to the commercial area along Broadway between Fourth and Fifth streets.
Firefighters arriving at the scene encountered a significant commercial fire and established a defensive operation, focusing on containing the blaze and preventing it from spreading to neighboring structures.
Additional personnel and equipment were requested as the fire intensified. The incident eventually reached four alarms, bringing mutual-aid fire departments from throughout the Imperial Valley and Yuma to assist El Centro crews.
Firefighters worked overnight to contain and extinguish the blaze. El Centro Fire Department personnel remained at the scene until about 7:30 a.m. Thursday, conducting final safety checks and confirming the fire had been extinguished.
One firefighter from a responding agency was transported to a local hospital after experiencing symptoms of dehydration during firefighting operations. The firefighter was treated and released and was recovering at home.
Approximately five businesses were affected, although the full extent of the damage was still being evaluated Thursday. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
After firefighting operations concluded, the El Centro Public Works Department and Code Enforcement Division took control of the affected area to establish safety measures and restrict access.
The area is expected to remain closed for an extended period while the structural condition of the affected buildings is evaluated and additional measures are taken to protect the public.
Residents, business owners, and motorists were asked to avoid the area and comply with barricades and closure signs while the assessment continues.
