OCOTILLO, Calif. – On July 9, 2026, at approximately 2:59 p.m., the Imperial County Fire Department (ICFD)
responded to a structure fire in the area of Sierra Vista Avenue and Agate Road in Ocotillo. The incident, designated
CAD #2026003701, rapidly escalated under extreme conditions, with ambient temperatures near 115°F and strong
winds that turned the fire into a fast-moving, wind-driven blaze, and was upgraded to a fourth-alarm assignment.
Engine 4 (Ocotillo) arrived within minutes and found a rapidly spreading fire involving multiple structures and large
LPG tanks. As the fire intensified, incident command ordered a tactical retreat after ammunition began cooking off,
creating an immediate life-safety hazard for firefighters. At the height of the incident, four structures and
outbuildings were fully involved. Firefighters faced the immediate threat of nine additional residences and the
potential involvement of up to 16 more structures.
ICFD requested mutual aid from multiple neighboring agencies. Assistance was received from the Calexico Fire
Department, the City of Yuma Fire Department, the El Centro Fire Department, the Holtville Fire Department, the
Westmorland Fire Department, the Naval Air Facility El Centro Fire Department, the Imperial County Sheriff's
Office, American Medical Response (ambulance), CalOES Fire & Rescue, and the United States Border Patrol.
Mutual-aid support was limited due to multiple-alarm incidents occurring simultaneously across the region. A
reverse-911 notification was issued to Ocotillo residents, advising them to evacuate the area. The American Red
Cross was notified, and Imperial Irrigation District (IID) was requested to shut off power to the Sage Brush, Sierra
Vista, and Imperial Highway corridors to enhance firefighter safety.
Additional resources, including engines and command staff, were dispatched to support firefighting operations and
water supply. Firefighters successfully protected most threatened homes and brought the fire under control. No
civilian or firefighter injuries were reported. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Imperial County Fire Department extends its sincere appreciation to all mutual-aid partners, Imperial Irrigation
District, ICSO Dispatch Center, and the residents of Ocotillo for their cooperation during this complex and
hazardous incident.
About Imperial County Fire Department / Office of Emergency Services
The Imperial County Fire Department provides all-risk fire, rescue, and emergency medical services to the
unincorporated areas of Imperial County and supports mutual-aid operations throughout the region.
Media Inquiries: Please contact: Deputy Chief Cedric Ceseña at cedriccesena@co.imperial.ca.us or by calling (442) 265-6000.