Historic home in Imperial burns in third-alarm fire
IMPERIAL — A historic, single- story home at 215 S. G St, was lost Monday night in a third- alarm structure fire.
The two occupants inside the home evacuated prior to the arrival of first responders, Imperial County Fire Department Chief Alfredo Estrada Jr. confirmed.
One of the occupants was treated by an AMR Ambulance for smoke inhalation, Estrada explained.
A caller reported the fire to 911 about 7: 06 p. m., according to county scanner traffic.
An Imperial Police Department unit first arrived at the scene and found the home in flames. It was reported that it appeared the top floor of the house was on fire.
While the origin of the fire has yet to be determined, the fire did in fact burn a small, second- story addition to the home.
As of Tuesday, wooden boards covered this area of the roof where the addition was.
Boards were also placed along the front of the home to cover burn damage.
First responders also evacuated two adjacent homes, at 211 and 219 S. G St.
A second alarm was issued at 7: 13 p. m. The fire was escalated to a third- alarm shortly after.
The third- alarm request drew assistance from El Centro, Holtville and Calexico fire departments.
The fire was extinguished about 8:15 p.m. and was contained to the home. No other injuries were reported.
Estrada said the home is considered a total loss. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
The Imperial Chamber of Commerce reported the home belonged to Mrs. Marion Long, a long-time Ben Hulse Elementary School teacher.
“Both tenants were able to get out of the home,” the chamber stated. “Mrs. Long is in Oregon with her daughter. The home was over 100 years old and originally the home of Imperial pioneer Ben Hulse, which he himself built and Mrs. Long was so proud to own.”