Multiple fires break out in Winterhaven

Fire affects homes and spreds to at least nine acres

WINTERHAVEN, Calif. (KYMA, KECY) - The Imperial County Fire Department (ICFD) and Office Emergency Services say fires broke out on Foster Road in Winterhaven.

A home owner's worst nightmare. Turned reality for the family of Matthew Pappan.

“All I know is they called me and told me that their house was on fire and my little boy is at school but his house his whole house is on fire, like totally gone," said father Matthew Pappan.

Witnesses and a group of first responders say the fire spread through brushes and nearly reached a home.

“We seen black smoke so we took a picture and then we decided to investigate more to see what it was and it seemed like it kept growing bigger and bigger,” said local Heather Blackburn.

El Centro Fire Department also says they sent out two resources to combat the flames.

ICFD later gave an update stating the fire affected some farm equipment, two homes, one shop storage and three people had to be moved.

The flames are spreading further south because of the wind and a large haystack caught fire.

Nine acres have currently been consumed.

Locals have their own theories on what sparked this fire.

“It probably started from a lighter,” said local Jayden Blackburn.

A father is thankful his family is okay.

“I was very worried about when I got that call is if everybody got out for sure. We went over there made ourself available and tried to pray for them and there alright,” said Pappan.