Firefighters battle 2nd alarm fire in Niland
The Imperial County Fire Department battled a second alarm structure fire in Niland on Niland Avenue and 6th Street.
According to firefighters, the fire started just before 6:00 a.m., residents inside the home were sleeping, but they were able to evacuate and call the fire department just in time.
“I was still sleeping, and I heard some noise, my neighbor was standing by the fence, so I came out and then realized the car port was on fire,” said Arcadio Cabanilla , resident of the home.
“We had multiple calls for a structure fire, at the time we had station seven right here in Niland ,” said Juan Rodelo , Imperial County Fire Department Battalion Chief.
” They responded and activated an automatic second alarm. It spread along the fence and along the carport on the rear of the property and then it extended to the next property, ” said Rodelo .
Neighboring agencies were called to assist with the fire and firefighters were able to contain it.
The back portion of the house and carports in the back received the majority of the damage.
“Yes im grateful, yeah,” said Cabanilla .
Cabanilla says he’s thankful the majority of his home was saved along with the memories in it.
He says the house was his mother’s house and his dad helped build it when they moved in, years ago.
” Everybody’s out of the house, so we’re in good shape. Nothing is burning now. The fire department is here and I’m sure they’ll be checking on the house, ” said Cabanilla .
” We are continuing mopping up operations, investigating making sure there is no fire extension. We are looking in the attic spaces, looking in the walls and making sure there is no fire running between the walls, ” said Rodelo .
Battalion Chief Rodelo says the cause of the fire is under investigation.
Two families have been displaced. American Red Cross emergency responders quickly arrived at the scene to help the families.
Jose Ortega, American Red Cross Disaster Program Manager, says they will help the families with any emergency items or funds they need today and in the coming days.
