Wellton, Tacna crews battling brush fire along river

Firefighters from the Wellton Fire Department responded to a mutual aid request from the Tacna Fire Department Monday night to help put out a brush fire that was burning along the Gila River.

According to Battalion Chief David Rodriguez, of the Wellton Fire Department, the fire broke out at about 6:10 p.m. between an agriculture field and the des- ert at Avenue 45E and the Levee Road

Rodriguez said that as of 8:45 p.m. the fire had not been contained and had burned approximately 20 acres. Both agencies had several engines on scene and were working to stop the fire from burning any further.

“It is still burning pretty good right now,” Rodriguez said.

The Wellton Mohawk Irrigation and Drainage District was also on scene and was using two bulldozer to build a firebreak ahead of the fire, which is burning in an easterly direction.

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.