Imperial Valley experiences extreme heat

KYMA on August 1, 2026

Jessamyn Dodd

IMPERIAL COUNTY, Calif. (KYMA) – As extreme heat sets in across Imperial County, the fire department is reminding locals to take precautions.

Officials said staying hydrated could mean the difference between life and death as extreme heat pummels the Imperial Valley.

They recommend limiting outdoor activity during the hottest parts of the day, wearing sunscreen and a hat, and staying hydrated. It’s also important to check on the community’s most vulnerable residents.

“One of the things that we can recommend is to limit outdoor activities. Just check in with your elderly, especially with them, you know, some of them they live by themselves,” Deputy Chief Juan Rodelo of the Brawley Fire Department said.

You don’t have to be outside too long to feel the impacts of the heat. Even your animals are feeling the heat.

“With pets, especially if you’re gonna walk them on sidewalks and and asphalt and stuff like that, obviously, those temperatures are way, way, way higher and you can injure your pets if you put them outside during those times,” Deputy Chief Rodelo warned.

“So, if you’re gonna walk them, walk them early in the morning, late in the afternoon,” he added

The fire chief says to pay attention to signs of dehydration and call 911 if you’re experiencing any heat-related symptoms.

Meantime, non-profits across the Imperial Valley are continuing their heat safety efforts by handing out water, and trying to give residents some relief.

April Ochoa at Comite Civico Del Valle said the extreme temperatures are especially hard on people experiencing homelessness.

“We have water, ice, whatever it is they need. There’s shade, a canopy, and just give them a few minutes where they can take a break, drink some water and get any support if they need any support,” Ochoa said.

They also offer education on the signs and symptoms of overheating.

“Hot dry skin, dizziness, nausea, headaches, confusion, rapid pulse, loss of consciousness,” Ochoa explained.

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200-acre Big Rock Fire rapidly spreading near Heise; Evacuations underway

KIFI on August 1, 2026

Seth Ratliff

UPDATE: 10:41

Residents along South Snake River Road, north of the Snake River and up to 10000 S. , are now in set status.

Due to the Big Rock fire, the South Fork Canyon will be closed to boaters from Conant Boat Access to Byington Boat Access, according to an update from the USWFS. Conant Boat Access will be closed for downstream travel but open for upstream travel. Upstream travel from Byington Boat Access is closed. Downstream travel from Byington is open. Fulmer and Wolf Flats are both closed for boating and camping. Any boaters currently camping in the South Fork Canyon will be allowed to take out at Byington Boat Access.

Another evacuation shelter has been established for residents in the area at the LDS church at 14061 N 130 E, in Ririe.

UPDATE: 7:45 PM

HEISE, Idaho (KIFI) — An evacuation shelter has been established at the Latter-day Saint Church building at 285 N 2nd West St., Ririe, Idaho.

UPDATE: 7:10 PM

HEISE, Idaho — Emergency crews and wildland firefighters are battling a fast-moving wildfire near Heise that has forced immediate evacuations and shut down local roads.

The fire was first reported around 5:30 p.m., according to dispatch logs on WildCAD. Fueled by grass, brush, and juniper, the blaze quickly swelled to an estimated 200 acres.

Mandatory Evacuation Order Issued

The Madison and Jefferson County Sheriff’s Offices have ordered mandatory evacuations for all residents and campers north of the Snake River, spanning from Heise Hot Springs east to the junction at Kelly Canyon and Forest Service Road 218, extending north up to East 12000 North.

Crews are actively sweeping the area, including areas up toward the ski resort, to ensure all residents and visitors evacuate safely.

All roads leading toward Heise and Kelly Canyon are closed to public traffic until further notice.

The Central Fire District has requested air assistance. Madison Fire and Bonneville Fire have also been called in to assist. The USWFS confirms multiple engines, dozers, crews, and air support are incoming.

Fire crews are asking drivers to avoid the area to allow emergency crews to work. Crews have also issued a stern reminder that flying private drones near wildfire grounds can instantly cut off all air support operations, putting firefighters and homes at risk.

“IF YOU FLY, WE CAN’T,” states the USWFS.

UPDATE: 6:55 PM

RIRIE, Idaho (KIFI) — The Madison County Sheriff’s Office has issued an immediate evacuation order for residents in the following boundaries:

South: North of the Snake River from Heise Hot Springs

East: Extending to the “Y” at Kelly Canyon and Forest Service Road 218

North: Extending up to East 12000 South

“A fast-moving fire is endangering the area… Do not wait! Follow orders of all emergency responders.” MCSO warned via the IPAWS emergency alert system.

The Sheriff’s Office states that additional details, including shelter locations, will follow shortly.

For updates, click HERE.

UPDATE: 6:30 PM

RIRIE, Idaho (KIFI) — The blaze has now been dubbed the Big Rock Fire. According to the National Interagency Fire Center, the fast-moving wildfire has burned an estimated 100 acres near the Heise area.

Video and photos captured by resident Savannah Bade show a dense plume of smoke billowing from the nearby mountains.

ORIGINAL:

RIRIE, Idaho (KIFI) — The Central Fire District and neighboring agencies are on the scene of a wildfire burning near the Heise area, east of Ririe.

ITD Antelope Flats Skycam July 31st, 2026.

Details surrounding the response are limited at this time. Fire crews are asking drivers to avoid the area to allow emergency crews to work.

Local News 8 has reached out to the Central Fire District for more information and is awaiting a response.

This is a developing story. Local News 8 will provide additional updates throughout the night.

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El Paso police officer injured, driver hospitalized after traffic stop crash

KVIA on August 1, 2026

Gabrielle Lopez

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — Friday, the El Paso Police Department said one of its officers is injured and one person is in the hospital after a crash on the I-10 at Mile Marker 34.

EPPD posted a video on Instagram showing an officer conducting a traffic stop. While the officer stood on the highway’s shoulder to check a driver’s ID, a second vehicle failed to control its speed, narrowly missed the officer and crashed into the stopped vehicle.

The crash pushed the stopped vehicle 500 feet down the shoulder, EPPD said.

The driver of the stopped vehicle went to the hospital, and his injuries aren’t life threatening, according to the post.

Police said the at-fault driver, who wasn’t named, was cited for failing to control their speed and causing a crash.

“This incident is a stark reminder that traffic stops are among the most dangerous parts of an officer’s job. In a matter of seconds, a routine stop nearly turned tragic,” EPPD said in the post.

During the traffic stop, emergency lights flashed. Police reminded the public to move over or slow down when emergency lights flash on the road, as Texas law requires.

See the full video below.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by El Paso Police Department (@eppolice)

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