UPDATE: Fire contained, one firefighter injured
UPDATE (4 p.m.) - One firefighter was injured after a fire broke out behind the Spreckels Sugar Factory near Brawley.
The Imperial County Fire Department received the call around 4 p.m. on Monday.
Firefighters say the strong winds made the fire expand, reaching the factory's beet pulp with about 5,000 tons of beet pulp burned.
“Unfortunately, we did have... we suffered an injury from a firefighter... went to the hospital due to smoke inhalation... firefighter is doing well she been release now from the hospital and hopefully will be back to full service," said Salvador Flores, Imperial County Fire Deputy Chief.
The fire is now contained but firefighters are monitoring the area for any hot spots.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
IMPERIAL COUNTY (KYMA, KECY) - A huge inferno was blazing on Highway 86 in Imperial County, just south of Keystone Road. The fire broke out at around 6:00pm on Monday.
According to the Imperial County Fire Department (ICFD), the blaze will be active for a few days due to strong winds in the area.
ICFD said this of the blaze, "This is the byproduct of sugar-beads after it has dried. They use it to mix with feed. The material is organic in nature with a sand texture. Very hard to extinguish."
ICFD also said that over 20 personnel were on scene to help them out. These include the Holtville Fire Department, the El Centro Fire Department, and the Brawley Fire Department.
Red Cross assisted with meals and water, according to ICFD.
KYMA's Karina Bazarte will have more information later today.
