Four-Alarm Fire Damages Multiple Downtown El Centro Businesses
EL CENTRO, Calif. — The El Centro Fire Department and mutual-aid agencies from throughout the Imperial Valley and Yuma responded to a four-alarm commercial fire late Wednesday night that affected approximately five businesses in downtown El Centro.
The fire was reported at approximately 10:45 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 16, in the commercial area along Broadway between Fourth and Fifth streets.
When firefighters arrived, they encountered a significant commercial fire and established a defensive firefighting operation. Crews worked to contain the fire and prevent it from spreading to neighboring buildings as additional resources were requested.
The incident eventually reached a fourth alarm, bringing additional firefighters and equipment from fire agencies throughout the Imperial Valley and Yuma.
Firefighters worked throughout the night to contain and extinguish the fire. El Centro Fire Department personnel remained at the scene until approximately 7:30 a.m. Thursday, conducting final safety checks before clearing the area.
One local firefighter was transported to a local hospital after experiencing symptoms of dehydration while working at the fire. According to the City of El Centro, the firefighter was treated and released and is recovering at home.
Approximately five businesses were affected by the fire. The full extent of the damage is still being evaluated.
One of the businesses affected, Maria’s Tacos, has also turned to the community for assistance following the fire.
In a message shared with friends, family and the community, the business said the incident has completely interrupted its operations and that it will be unable to open while the business is affected by the closure.
The business said the closure will also impact its employees, who will be unable to earn their normal income while they cannot work.
“My employees are the heart of this business and their well-being is my priority,” the business said in its fundraising message.
Maria’s Tacos has created a GoFundMe campaign seeking donations to help provide financial assistance to its employees during the closure. The business said the goal is to help ensure its employees receive their full expected paycheck for the week.
The business is asking community members to contribute if they are able or share the fundraising campaign with others.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Following firefighting operations, the City of El Centro Public Works Department and Code Enforcement Division took over the affected area and established additional safety measures. The city said the area will remain closed for an extended period while officials evaluate the condition of the affected buildings and take steps to protect the public.
Residents, business owners and motorists are being asked to avoid the area and follow barricades and closure signs.
The City of El Centro thanked the fire departments and emergency personnel from throughout the Imperial Valley and Yuma who responded to assist El Centro firefighters.