Firefighters contain brush fire

Imperial County firefighters responded to a brush fire shortly before 2 p.m. today.

Five homes had to be temporarily evacuated on Evan Hewes Highway in El Centro as firefighters fought the flames.

Our news team was first on the scene and was able to speak to two young kids who called 9-1-1 when they saw smoke.

The fire was determined a second alarm fire then escalated to a third alarm fire quickly.

Several crews were called to the scene and it is a busy day for firefighters as some units were dispatched to help fight the fire burning in Beaumont.

Dry brush was a big factor in the spread of the fire. Fire officials say it’s important to clear any big piles of trash or debris around homes.

“If you don’t know what kind of clearances you should have around your house, please contact our office and we will be happy to assist with that. We did initially ask the residents to come out of their homes just due to the proximity of the fire to the homes. All the owners came outside until we had the fire under control. We have had the owners all go back inside their residences,” said Tony Rouhotas, Fire Chief of Imperial County Fire.

Firefighters say this time of year is faced with extreme heat and low relative humidity which creates high fire danger.