One person was killed and dozens of homes destroyed after a fast-moving wildfire tore through a Southern California desert town near the Salton Sea, officials said Monday.
The blaze began Sunday night in Niland, a small, poor agricultural community about 100 miles from San Diego.
The Imperial County Public Health Department said on Twitter that about 40 homes were estimated to have been lost, but the fire has since been contained.
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The Calipatria Fire Department told KESQ-TV that one body was found among fire damage in the town and authorities are investigating.
A wind-driven wildfire has destroyed about 40 homes and forced evacuations as it tore through the rural town of Niland in the Southern California desert near the Salton Sea. (Battalion Chief Joseph Bernal/El Centro Fire Department via AP)
The fire, spread by strong winds, forced the evacuation of the entire township.
Niland, with a population of about 1,000, is at the north end of an agricultural region that stretches south to the U.S.-Mexico border.
This June 28 photo provided by El Centro Fire Department shows a wildfire burning through a section of Niland, Calif. (Battalion Chief Joseph Bernal/El Centro Fire Department via AP)
Imperial County spokeswoman Linsey Dale told the Associated Press that about 130 people were dispatched to the blaze.
“It’s very devastating in that area right now,” Dale said.
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Every local fire truck and firefighting team responded and firefighting help also came from elsewhere.
This June 28 photo provided by El Centro Fire Department shows a wildfire burning through an section of Niland, Calif. (Battalion Chief Joseph Bernal/El Centro Fire Department via AP)
The American Red Cross Southern California Region said it was working to provide shelter.
A temporary shelter was set up at Calipatria High School where assistance to displaced residents was being offered.
