Massive Fire Engulfs Vacant Commercial Building in El Centro; No Injuries Reported
EL CENTRO, Calif. (April 12, 2025) — A three-alarm fire tore through a vacant commercial building Saturday evening at 250 W. Ross Avenue in El Centro, prompting a major response from fire agencies across the Imperial Valley.
According to the El Centro Fire Department (ECFD), the blaze was reported just before 6:00 p.m. on April 12. Fire crews arrived to find the structure—formerly home to the long-standing local business “Barr Lumber”—fully engulfed in flames. Barr Lumber had once served as a key home improvement and lumber supply store in the community before shutting down years ago.
Due to the extent of the fire, the response was escalated to a third alarm. Mutual aid was provided by the Brawley Fire Department, Imperial County Fire Department, Calexico Fire Department, Holtville Fire Department, and Westmorland Fire Department. In total, 27 firefighters from seven agencies responded, along with the El Centro Police Department, the American Red Cross, and emergency medical services.
Firefighters worked aggressively to contain the blaze, successfully preventing the fire from spreading to adjacent properties. No surrounding structures were damaged, and no injuries or fatalities were reported.
photo courtesy: Gabino Munoz
ECFD stated that the building was being used for storage at the time of the fire. According to reporting from KYMA News, it housed several important documents and other materials.
On Sunday, the El Centro Police Department Drone Team assisted fire crews by using aerial thermal imaging to identify hotspots inside the burned structure. This allowed fire officials to safely manage remaining threats and ensured the safety of firefighters and city personnel during ongoing operations and demolition efforts.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
The El Centro Fire Department thanked all mutual aid partners for their timely support and assistance in handling the incident