Imperial County and Holtville firefighters fight a brush fire that burned yards away from Holtville¿s wastewater plant. The cause of the fire is under investigation. (Alejandro Davila) |
HOLTVILLE — A brush fire burned for several hours just yards from this city’s wastewater plant Sunday evening, although its cause is yet unknown.
By the time the fire was extinguished around, no injuries were recorded and the plant remained untouched by the flames.
The fire started around 5 p.m. in trees and brush on the north side of the plant, said Holtville Fire Chief Alex Silva.
A tower of smoke could be seen from miles away as three engines, one water tender and one hand crew had to drive through rough and narrow terrain near Gowling and Alamo roads to reach the blaze.
And though there was a sense of organized calm during the operation, the fire was a difficult one for the firefighters since the engines had to park several yards away.
More than a dozen firefighters could be seen pulling hoses from the engines and carrying them before fighting the flames from outside a ditch.
Silva directed them not to go into the ditch.
“I don’t want any sprained ankles,” he said to one firefighter.
Silva expected the fire to be fully put out by midnight.
Meanwhile, Holtville firefighters were also fighting a fire near the hot springs, said Silva.
The cause of that fire was a resident who was clearing brushes and that “possibly got out of hand,” he said.
No more details were available, but both fires will be investigated in the coming days, Silva said.
Staff Writer Alejandro Davila can be reached at 760-337-3445 or adavila@ivpressonline.com
By the time the fire was extinguished around, no injuries were recorded and the plant remained untouched by the flames.
The fire started around 5 p.m. in trees and brush on the north side of the plant, said Holtville Fire Chief Alex Silva.
A tower of smoke could be seen from miles away as three engines, one water tender and one hand crew had to drive through rough and narrow terrain near Gowling and Alamo roads to reach the blaze.
And though there was a sense of organized calm during the operation, the fire was a difficult one for the firefighters since the engines had to park several yards away.
More than a dozen firefighters could be seen pulling hoses from the engines and carrying them before fighting the flames from outside a ditch.
Silva directed them not to go into the ditch.
“I don’t want any sprained ankles,” he said to one firefighter.
Silva expected the fire to be fully put out by midnight.
Meanwhile, Holtville firefighters were also fighting a fire near the hot springs, said Silva.
The cause of that fire was a resident who was clearing brushes and that “possibly got out of hand,” he said.
No more details were available, but both fires will be investigated in the coming days, Silva said.
Staff Writer Alejandro Davila can be reached at 760-337-3445 or adavila@ivpressonline.com
