There is updated information on the four-alarm fire in Calexico.
Calexico Fire Department responded to the report of a structure fire in the 300 block of east First Street at about 9:45 a.m. Sunday. The arriving engine saw that the building was heavily involved in flames and immediately put out a second alarm for mutual aid. Imperial County Fire and the Holtville and El Centro fire Departments responded. The fire was soon upgraded to four-alarm status and personnel and equipment from Brawley, Westmorland, Calipatria, NAF El Centro, Centinela State prison and the City of Yuma responded. Nearly 50 firefighters battled the blaze, working in shifts to avoid complications from the heat and humidity. AMR Ambulance and the American Red Cross also responded as did the Imperial irrigation District and the Gas Company. By 3:00 p.m. the responding departments were released from the scene and a Calexico Fire engine remained on site to monitor for flare-ups and hot spots. Cause of the fire is under investigation, but it is believed that transients in the building may have caused the fire. The building formally housed the Calexico Orthopedic Clinic but has been unoccupied for several years.