Officials urge immediate safety measures amid extreme heat

IMPERIAL COUNTY, Calif. (KYMA) - Imperial County Public Health and fire officials are urging community members to take immediate action to protect themselves as a dangerous combination of soaring temperatures and high winds triggers an Extreme Heat Watch across the region.

Local first responders are already on high alert following a sharp spike in wildfire activity throughout the county over the past week.

Imperial County Fire Department Deputy Chief Cedric Ceseña stated that crews are utilizing multi-agency intelligence resources at the local, state, and federal levels to track incoming weather patterns and position resources ahead of time.

"We know when those things are coming," Chief Ceseña said. "When it's gonna be hot and windy, it's gonna be potentially busy."

As weather conditions intensify outside, officials warn that the environmental threat is twofold, drastically increasing the risk of severe heat-related illnesses like heat stroke and heat exhaustion.

To stay safe, public health experts advise residents to remain indoors as much as possible, wear loose and lightweight clothing, and proactively drink plenty of water.

Timing is also critical when it comes to preventing heat illnesses and accidental fires.

Ceseña emphasized that the absolute hottest hours of the day fall between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., meaning community members must drastically adjust their daily routines.

"It's always important to hydrate ahead of time before you actually begin doing activities," Ceseña said. "You want to make sure that you either work early in the morning and stop working by 10 o'clock, or you begin working after 4 or 5 o'clock and then take advantage of the evening hours."

For residents who need a safe place to escape the dangerous conditions, free cooling centers are preparing to open their doors to the public at various locations across the Imperial Valley starting July 1, 2026.

You can find more information and a complete list of these cool centers by clicking HERE.