(Brush Fire near Niland)…It was reported at around 1:30 Monday afternoon.

County Fire responded to the scene in the area of Highway 111 and Nofsinger Road. Wind gusts were reported up to 20 miles per hour, and the fire went from a two alarm to a three alarm fire. Eight Departments from around the County responded to the call, including Brawley, Calipatria, Calipatria State Prison, Westmorland, El Centro, Holtville, Calexico and Centenela State Prison. The County Sheriffs Office and American Red Cross also responded. A section of Highway 111 was closed for several hours. County Deputy Chief Salvador Flores said several structures were threatened by the fire, and five residences were evacuated. The fire burned about 77 acres before crews had it surrounded sometime between 8 and 8:30 Monday evening. No structures were damaged and the evacuated residents were allowed to return to their homes. No injuries were reported. County Crews monitored the area throughout the night and fresh crews were mopping up hot spots Tuesday. Flores said the cause of the fire is under investigation.