The City of El Centro has released more information on the Thursday evening structure fire.

El Centro firefighters responded to the area of 6th and Hamilton at about 6:15 p.m. and found heavy fire and smoke coming from two residential properties. Imperial County Fire Department and Holtville Fire Department responded to assist. Fire officials say that the fire spread rapidly because of an exceptionally high fire load and prevailing wind conditions. Firefighters worked to contain the fire to the initial structures and were able to extinguish the blaze in about 30 minutes. Fire personnel and assisting agencies remained on scene for several hours monitoring hot spots and protecting the surrounding area. No injuries were reported but a household dog inside one of the residences perished in the fire. The cause and origin of the fire remain under investigation.