Politics & Government

Eagle Fire Ground Crews Stationed in Borrego Springs

Several ground crews from various agencies are lined up in Borrego to keep an eye on the fire, which has been moving eastward.

Firefighters lined up along Hoberg Road in Borrego Springs on Sunday. It may be the first time they have mobilized in the desert valley since the began.

Shirley Grear, acting general manager at Palm Canyon Resort across from Hoberg, said it’s the first time she has seen ground crews stationed in Borrego since the fire started Thursday night.

They are keeping an eye on the smoke, which is coming over the top of hills above the valley, according to a firefighter overseeing a Department of Corrections crew there.

Find out what's happening in Ramonawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The valley floor does appear smokier in general than Saturday.

CalFire staff have been coming and going throughout the town for a few days. Helicopters have been collecting water from a golf course and flying it up into the hills west of Borrego. About 60 CalFire employees stayed in town Saturday night.

Find out what's happening in Ramonawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The influx of fire agency staff may be a boost for the local economy.

"It's a slow time of year for us over the summer," Grear said. "And it's also a slow economy in general. Emergencies do tend to give us a bit of a boost. We get other fires and floods. That will be the next thing after this fire —floods—because there'll be no vegetation up there."

Borrego Fire and Rescue units have been driving around the town checking on conditions. State Parks has been keeping watch on hiking areas. They closed Borrego Palm Canyon Trail and Campground on Saturday night.

The Eagle Fire began Thursday night on Los Coyotes Indian Reservation near Warner Springs. The cause is under investigation.

The fire has grown to at least 10,800 acres. CalFire will issue another update after 6 p.m. Sunday. The estimated cost of the suppression effort is $2.5 million.


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