Imperial County Fire officials suspect arson in haystack fires

There have been nine haystack fires in the southwest region of Imperial County in less than two weeks.
Officials from the Imperial County Fire Department do not believe any of them are random acts.

Imperial County Deputy Fire Chief Salvador Flores said, “Anytime you have a large amount of fire with the same consistency like the ones we have here, haystack in the evening usually around 10:30 to about midnight in this area, that’s a pattern that’s being built up into.”

Fire officials said putting out haystack fires isn’t a simple process.

Flores said, “If you put water on a haystack like this the process is still going to continue. You’re just going to prolong it. What we do is we sit near the haystack and we watch for exposures and make sure that the exposures are not caught on fire as well.”

Haystacks also radiate making them even more dangerous.

“It’s a large fuel load sitting all together. Typically they’re separated from any exposures but as you can see behind us, there’s a field. Across the street, there’s a field. The amount of radiant heat can actually start another fire,” said Flores.
The Imperial County Fire Department is working with local authorities and asks the community for help.

Flores added, “We’re working closely with Imperial County Sheriff’s Department. We’re still in the investigation phase. There are some leads that are coming in and we ask the public that if they know anything to please give us a call. And of course, if they see any suspicious activity to call 9-1-1 immediately.”

Imperial County Sheriff’s Office said they’re increasing patrol in this area.