LOCAL FIREFIGHTERS BATTLE 15-TONS OF BLAZING HAY IN IMPERIAL COUNTY

February 2011 Articles

February 18, 2011 (Imperial County) – Five Cal-Fire engines from San Diego County have been dispatched to Imperial County to help fight 15 tons of hay set ablaze by arsonists.

Three people are in custody in connection to a pair of haystack fires in the Imperial Valley. The Imperial County Sheriff's Office said 29-year-old Darryl Elmore Junior, 28-year-old Martin Arthur Archuleta, and 25-year-old Luis Alberto Vasquez face arson fire charges.

The pair allegedly ignited hay stacks in El Centro and Seeley on Wednesday, before crashing their vehicle into a ditch while fleeing the scene of the crime.

The fires were still burning late last night and authorities indicated the men may be responsible for additional fires in the area.

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