Author: KYMA

Wesley Williamson

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Local organizers held a back to school event today at the Martin Luther King Jr. Youth Career Center.

The event helped local families get ready to go back to school, offering school supplies including backpacks, notebooks, and even offering free haircuts to those in attendance from the ages five to 17-years-old.

The organization put on the free event to help those in need of assistance with costs associated with going back to school.

Saturday’s event served hundreds of families in the Yuma community, and organizers said the free event was a blessing to be a part of.

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Connor Emery

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Lots of reaction from viewers on social media after Border Patrol Yuma Sector posted a video earlier this week of a human smuggling arrest on Interstate 8.

In the video, posted to social media, the driver pulled over on the side of the road as Border Patrol conducted a thorough search of the vehicle.

The driver claimed there was nothing in the trunk, and that’s when officers found a man from Mexico cramped inside, leading to both him and the driver’s arrest.

“The United States citizen driver was processed for violation of 8 USC 1324 for alien smuggling,” said Matthew Wills, a Border Patrol agent. “And the smuggled alien was arrested, provided with immediate medical assistance and was processed for deportation.”

Border Patrol says the investigation is still ongoing as the driver is still being questioned.

It’s unclear where the driver was coming from but Border Patrol says that it shows that situations like this are dangerous.

“Just another example of how smugglers will put people in dangerous situations by trying to enter this country,” said Wills.

While many of the comments on the video gave praise to border patrol for the stop, one local, Jesse Teposte, had negative feelings toward the arrest. 

“Honestly, I don’t even know why they got pulled over. They should have just let them go. I mean, they weren’t doing anything wrong. I don’t understand why they would’ve been pulled over like that,” said Teposte.

Updates will be made once the investigation is concluded.

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Moses Femino

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Yuma Random Acts of Kindness is bringing holiday cheer to the Foothills with its first-ever Christmas in July sale at the nonprofit’s new building.

The three-day event, which kicked off Thursday, features a variety of items for sale, including holiday decorations, furniture, clothing and other household goods.

Organizers say every purchase helps support members of the local community who need assistance.

“All the proceeds go to anybody in need and any of the veterans here in our community,” said Chloe McFarland, a member and volunteer of Yuma Random Acts of Kindness. “We have one more day for Christmas in July. We still have a lot of good items here at a good price. So just come on down. And I know it’s hot, but come early.”

In addition to showcasing the organization’s new location, the sale also serves as a fundraiser to help continue its mission of assisting local families and veterans throughout the year.

The Christmas in July sale, taking place at 13472 E. 53rd Street, continues through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.

To learn more about the event, click here.

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Abraham Retana

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – As the Extreme Heat Warning continues this week in the Desert Southwest, some construction workers in Yuma say even though they are used to hot weather, they take some precautions when they’re under the sun.

“We cover ourselves, we wear long sleeves, drink a lot of water, electrolytes,” said Emma Salas, a construction worker.

“We drink cold water, some electrolytes and Powerade,” said Mario Pimentel, another construction worker.

Hot temperatures can cause some heat-related illnesses. That’s why some construction workers say they have to modify their schedule to stay away from the heat.

“We get to work at 3 a.m. A little early, so we can beat the heat,” Pimentel shared. “Right now, we are leaving.”

The Extreme Heat is expected to stay throughout the weekend. Yuma residents are urged to limit their outdoor activities, stay hydrated.

If they need a place to stay during the Extreme Heat hours, click here to find the nearest location.

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Skylar Heisey

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – The Yuma doctor accused of defrauding the state of Arizona out of millions of dollars appeared in court Friday.

Dr. Irfan Fazil appeared before a judge for a case management conference.

During the hearing, attorneys for Dr. Fazil and Bio Family Clinic requested a status hearing and a settlement conference, with the judge scheduling the hearing for September 4.

Fazil, 54, is facing six felony charges, which includes fraudulent schemes, theft and illegal control of an enterprise.

Prosecutors accused Fazil of operating a racketeering scheme that defrauded ACHCCCS out of millions of dollars between July of last year and May of this year.

He remains in the Yuma County Detention Center on a $50 million bond.

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Moses Femino

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – The Yuma Fire Department (YFD) said a house was deemed a total loss after it caught on fire.

In a press release, it happened Thursday in the area of S. 11th Avenue and W. 15th Street, near S. Avenue A, after 5:30 p.m.

Upon arrival, YFD said crews found heavy smoke and fire coming from the rear of the home, prompting them to quickly work to extinguish the fire “while protecting nearby homes from the flames.”

“The reporting party when they called, they said that they were grilling. And then they heard a loud boom,” said Francisco Leon, Public Information Officer for YFD. “The fire is still currently under investigation, but we do believe the cause of the origin of the fire was somewhere around the grill area.”

YFD said the residents were using a barbecue “when they heard an explosion involving a propane tank,” with everyone inside the home being able to evacuate before fire crews arrived.

Courtesy: Yuma Fire Department

Courtesy: Yuma Fire Department

During that time, YFD said crews found a downed live power line and “secured the area until it could be safely addressed.”

While the fire was contained and brought under control, and no injuries were reported, YFD said the home suffered significant damage and was deemed a total loss.

Courtesy: Yuma Fire Department

YFD said the family requested help from the American Red Cross.

As investigators continue working to determine the exact cause of the fire, YFD is reminding residents to practice propane grill safety, especially during the summer months.

“A safety message we sent out was always try to keep your barbecue grills and your propane tanks away from any combustibles,” Leon said. “Away from your home and in a safe spot. Always check your hoses. Check your valves. Make sure everything is in good working order.”

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

018 11th Ave FireDownload

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Dillon Fuhrman

YUMA COUNTY, Ariz. (KYMA) – The Arizona Department of Public Safety has issued a SAFE Alert, on behalf of the Yuma County Sheriff’s Office (YCSO), for a missing man.

90-year-old Leland Persing was last seen Wednesday at noon, near the area of S. Foothills Blvd and E. 43rd Drive.

The alert described Persing as five-feet, 11-inches tall, weighing 210 pounds, has brown hair and brown eyes, and is “believed to be wearing unknown clothing.”

Persing, according to the alert, suffers from a medical condition and may become disoriented or easily confused.

He is believed to be “driving a blue/grey in color golf cart” with Arizona license plate number DG4MA.

If anyone has information regarding Persing’s whereabouts, call YCSO at 520-866-5111, or call 911.

Leland Persing BOLO FlyerDownload

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Dillon Fuhrman

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – The Yuma Fire (YFD) and Police Departments (YPD) are responding to a house fire Thursday evening.

According to our reporter at the scene, it is happening in the area of W. 15th Street and S. 11th Avenue, near S. Avenue A.

Our reporter at the scene spoke with the homeowner, who said their grill exploded, causing the fire.

At the time of this writing, YFD and YPD are still on scene as the fire is still active, and News 11 will have the latest details on this developing story.

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Dillon Fuhrman

YUMA COUNTY, Ariz. (KYMA) – Gas prices across the states of Arizona and California are on the rise again.

AAA says the average for a gallon of regular gasoline in Arizona is up 18 cents from last week, sitting $4.30.

The report also says Yuma has gas prices at $4.25, which is $1.23 higher compared to the same time last year.

Over in California, AAA says the average of regular gasoline is up 17 cents from last week, sitting at $5.57, with El Centro having gas prices at $5.37, which is $1.13 higher compared to the same time last year.

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Lynette Niebla

NILAND, Calif. (KYMA) – Sections of the Lark Spa Mobile Home & RV Park are entering their eleventh consecutive day without electricity following a safety-related power shutdown.

The outage impacts only a portion of the property, affecting 27 of the park’s residential spaces.

Park management and Imperial County officials have both released statements outlining the initial safety inspections, the emergency support provided to residents, and the ongoing construction timeline to restore power.

The localized disruption began on July 9, 2026, when the Imperial County Planning & Development Services Department inspected the 61-year-old, low-income senior community after receiving a complaint.

The county issued an Attention–Action Required Notice directing the operator to halt the unpermitted work, de-energize the affected line, and secure the necessary permits before making repairs.

County officials emphasized that they did not order a power disconnection for the entire park, only the specific lines flagged as unsafe.

Lark Spa Certified Park Manager Lorinda Grable stated that management complied with the safety order immediately and activated their county-approved Emergency Preparedness Plan.

The park opened its air-conditioned recreation hall as an approved cooling center and overnight shelter, offering cots, water, and refrigerated storage for medication and food.

Grable noted that the park faced administrative hurdles qualifying for expedited repair permits and certain outside aid because their local emergency shelter was already actively operating.

“I’ve been on everything,” Grable said. “I called Red Cross, I called APS, I called everything you can imagine all the way from state all the way down, but I would get the same answer from everybody.”

Management also addressed public statements regarding park conditions and financial requests. Grable clarified that pets were welcome in private air-conditioned rooms and were never forced away from owners.

She added that requests for hotel and fuel reimbursements exceeded the financial capabilities of the nonprofit park, which charges approximately $200 per month for lot rent.

“Lark Spa simply does not have the financial ability or legal obligation to provide those expenses during an emergency,” Grable stated. “We work very hard to keep housing affordable while maintaining the park and complying with State and County requirements.”

According to a press release, the Imperial County Executive Office was notified of the ongoing electricity loss on July 17. Multiple county departments mobilized that same afternoon to coordinate a response.

The Department of Social Services deployed staff to assess conditions and speak directly with residents. Representatives found that most impacted residents had temporarily relocated to hotels or stayed with relatives.

County agencies coordinated the following assistance:

Delivered 20 cots to the property

Assessed residents for CalFresh, Medi-Cal, and alternative public benefits

Activated prepared-meal assistance for eligible CalFresh recipients

Initiated wellness follow-ups through Behavioral Health Services and Adult Protective Services

“Once the County Executive Office was notified that residents were without electricity, departments mobilized that same day to assess conditions and connect residents with available assistance,” said Imperial County Executive Officer Kathleen Lang.

Grable expressed appreciation for the county’s involvement, noting, “The county has been great the whole time. We have had a long-standing, for years and years, good standing with the county.”

County officials stated that the park operator remains responsible for hiring a qualified contractor, pulling the required permits, and completing the necessary infrastructure repairs to bring the system into compliance.

Repair permits have been secured, and crews have broken ground on the site utilizing donated conduit materials.

“So this is what they’re doing is hand digging for us so that we can get the conduit, which now has the temporary wire,” Grable explained. “And all we’re waiting on is for it to be hooked up so that we can get the power on for them.”

An electrician is working to execute a temporary hookup under an approved safety plan. Management anticipates that power will be successfully restored to the affected spaces by late Thursday afternoon or Friday morning.

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