UPDATE: Crews Contain Brush Fire, Burns 120 acres

Local departments unite in fight against forth-alarm fire

SEELEY, Calif. (KYMA, KECY) - A local fire broke out near Mount Signal around 2 p.m. on Saturday off of Drew and Lyons Road. All property is under the jurisdiction of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).

Imperial County Fire Department was the first to arrive on the scene just before 3 p.m. Assistance from Yuma's BLM and Fish and Wildlife Service departments soon arrived. The Office of Emergency Services was also reported to have assisted.

The area is an estimated 100-year-old Saltcedar (Tamarix aphylla) grove. Invasive to the Imperial Valley, farmers and railroad companies brought the plant over as a means of protecting agriculture and settlements from the desert winds.

There is still no word on how the fire started. At this point, it is only roughly 75% contained. Though a couple of power lines were also brought down, the biggest threat currently lies on the western end of the property.

Crews are asking residents to please avoid the area.

Stick with KYMA.com for updates on this developing story.