Three-Alarm Fire Destroys Former Robinson Ford Dealership in Calexico

CALEXICO — A massive fire broke out Tuesday, Sept. 10, in the 1700 block of North Imperial Avenue, destroying the former Robinson Ford dealership and drawing a multi-agency response.

The fire was first reported as a two-alarm structure blaze but quickly escalated to a third alarm as flames spread through the building. Fire crews from Naval Air Facility El Centro, Brawley, Holtville, El Centro, and Imperial County assisted Calexico Fire in battling the blaze.

Heavy smoke forced authorities to close Imperial Avenue and surrounding streets, while firefighters worked for hours to contain the wind-driven fire.

The building, once home to Robinson Ford before it closed in 2024, recently became occupied by P&A Motors. According to The Desert Review, Calexico Fire Chief Juan A. Contreras Jr. said early indications point to the fire originating in a room containing a breaker box, though the official cause remains under investigation.

Contreras described the dealership as a “total loss”, noting bent steel beams and warped sheet metal left the structure unsafe. Demolition will likely be required.

No injuries were reported.