Imperial County, California (KYMA, KECY) – El Centro, Holtville, Calipatria and Centinilla State Penitentiary Agency fire engines headed north into Riverside County to provide relief for the Rabbit fire. Including the Yuma Fire Department.
The fires began on Friday, July 14 and burned more than 7,500 acres over the weekend.
The task force was called up on Saturday, July 15, and was based just 40 miles from Rabbitfire.
“At the time, there were four different fires in the area, but the rabbit fire was the largest and the other three were minimal. I don’t know the exact numbers. , they were able to keep the fire to a minimum,” said Fire Chief Alex Silva of the Holtville Fire Department.
Silva said the task force was able to contain the fire near a residential area.
The high temperatures have left fire departments in severe heat conditions this weekend, making firefighting a major challenge.
“It was 110 degrees during the day yesterday, and the heat from the fire added to it, making it a very tough situation. It’s been really hard for us,” Silva explained.
All engines are still at Riverside and fire fighting is ongoing.
