Yuma firefighters assist with Imperial County fire

The Yuma Fire Department was still on the scene this morning after responding Thursday evening to a mutual aid request from the Imperial Valley Fire Department to help fight a large hay stack fire that threatened nearby homes.

A Yuma Fire Department engine with four personnel and battalion chief responded to the aid request and were deployed along the western edge of the fire. They joined fire units from multiple regional departments, including El Centro, Calexico, Brawley, Westmoreland, Naval Air Facility-El Centro and Centinela Prison.

The fire in Seeley, Calif., involved hay stacks covering a large area and wind-driven embers threatened nearby residential areas.

It had been burning since at least 8 a.m. Thursday, and additional units were needed to contain the spread of the fire and provide relief for fire fighters already on scene, according to Mike Erfert, public information officer for the Yuma Fire Department.

The Yuma crew was used to help contain the fire and address hot spots caused by the embers. As of 1 a.m. Friday, the spread of the fire had been stopped but it was not out.

YFD’s engine was still on the scene of the fire at 7 Friday morning, Erfert said.

Seeley is about 15 to 20 miles west of El Centro.