Yuma firefighters respond to several fires Wednesday

Debris from pigeons roosting in a restaurant's electrical sign is believed to be the cause of one of several fire-related calls that firefighters from the Yuma Fire Department responded to Wednesday.

The first call was at 5:05 p.m. when firefighters responded to 1111 S. Brahma Lane for grass burning around the air conditioning unit at the side of the residence.

According to YFD spokesman Mike Erfert the fire was first seen by a five-year-old girl who was playing in her yard and saw something burning in the neighbor's yard,” Erfert said. “She told her mother. Another neighbor shut off the electricity to the A/C unit.”

The fire was quickly extinguished and the cause was believed to be electrical. Erfert said thanks to the early discovery and reporting, the fire was not able to cause much damage.

Then, a short time later, at 5:35 p.m. a request for mutual aid was received from the Winterhaven Fire Department regarding a grass fire in the area of the All American Canal and Aaron Road. An Engine, Water Tender, and Battalion Chief responded to assist.

Erfert said the YFD units were used to protect structures and were able to return to service in Yuma after being on scene for about 90 minutes.

At about 8:35 p.m. a fire was reported in the free standing sign in front of Rocky's Pizzeria, located at 2601 South 4th Avenue.

Erfert said a passerby reported seeing flames coming from the sign. Power to the sign was shut down and the fire was extinguished.

The cause of that fire, Erfert said, was believed to be electrical and debris from roosting pigeons that had been on fire.

James Gilbert can be reached at jgilbert@yumasun.com or 539-6854.