Small brush fire erupts along Colorado River

Firefighters from three agencies responded to a brush fire Monday afternoon that was burning at the U.S./Mexico border along the banks of the Colorado River.

According to Charly McMurdie, a spokeswoman for Rural/Metro, the fire was reported by a private party around 4:45 p.m. in the vicinity of Avenue G and County 11th Street, and has burned an estimated three to five acres.

McMurdie said since the fire is on state land it was being handled by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, which also sent a hand crew, and the Bureau of Land Management.

McMurdie said the first Rural/Metro engine on scene reported that the fire was burning a moderate amount of vegetation and being blown in a westward direction due to the wind.

McMurdie added that the fire is thought to have started in Mexico and spread out to the river.

After turning over the scene to state firefighters, Rural/Metro stayed on scene to provide protection to the unharvested agriculture fields in the area.

Initial reports of the fire did not include any information as to whether any other agencies or units were called to the scene. No structures were threatened by the fire.

James Gilbert can be reached at jgilbert@yumasun.com or 539-6854. Find him on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/YSJamesGilbert or on Twitter @YSJamesGilbert.