Category: kyma-local-news

Eduardo Morales

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – Wheat is a rotation crop that is grown locally to break up the cycle between growing the same crop every season.

It allows for different fertizilers to be introduced to keep soil health high.

But aside from selling the product, Anthony Gallardo, a research technician at the local U of A Cooperative Extension, shares why this crop is so beneficial.

“I mean the number one thing is soil health, we won’t be able to grow our winter produce if our soil isn’t healthy so that rotation crop allows us to have that ability to keep our soil healthy,” Gallardo says.

Planting begins in January and the wheat is harvested in June.

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Abraham Retana

HEBER, Calif. (KYMA, KECY) – The Imperial County Fire Department (ICFD) continues to investigate a fire which destroyed a mobile home and two trucks.

The fire happened Monday afternoon on Fawcett Road near Dogwood Road in Heber.

The fire started with two trucks full of clothing and spread to a mobile home and into an agricultural field.

One family was displaced.

“We understand the power was restored to most of the residents of the area yesterday. Residents that were affected by the fire remains without power, those people remain displaced, the Red Cross is assisting with the housing,” said Deputy Chief Cedric Ceseña with ICFD.

ICFD says two firefighters received medical assistance, one for knee injury and one for dehydration.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

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Eduardo Morales

UPDATE (5:20 PM): A fire broke out at Yuma River RV Park Monday morning, destroying four trailers and one vehicle. The fire also claimed the life of a dog.

The park is located north of the Colorado River.

Battalion Chief Jeff Woodruff shares what the crew saw when they arrived on scene.

“When they got on scene they had one home fully involved, a motor home fully involved, and the second home was starting to catch fire, and they continued to work it,” said Chief Woodruff.

Rural Metro says no other injuries were reported.

Meanwhile, Michael Kimbll, a maintenance worker at the park, describes what he felt as he saw the flames spread from one building to another.

“It’s unimaginable what goes through your mind at the time when there is a fire, you know this isn’t the first fire I’ve seen, but the worst,” Kimbll says.

The case is still under investigation.

UPDATE (1:00 PM): Eduardo Morales is live to provide updates on the RV park fire. See attached video for the livestream.

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – Rural Metro Fire has responded to an RV park fire late Tuesday morning.

The fire took place at Yuma River RV Park, located in the area of E. County 5 1/2 Street, near Levee Road.

According to a reporter on scene, the fire looks like it’s just about out.

KYMA will keep you updated on this developing story.

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Karina Bazarte

IMPERIAL COUNTY, Calif. (KYMA, KECY) – The State of California has updated laws regarding distracted driving and street racing.

In a ruling, which went into effect on earlier this month, drivers cannot hold a phone while driving, text, scroll or browse apps and watch or record videos.

However, drivers are allowed to mount their phone on a dashboard or windshield when using a GPS, use voice commands or Bluetooth and operate your phone with a single tap or slide when it’s mounted.

At the same time, there will be an update to the state’s street racing and sideshow laws.

Starting next Tuesday, July 1, courts in the state may order a persons driver’s license to be suspended for 90 day to six months “for an exhibition of speed, or aiding and abetting an exhibition of speed, if the violation occurred as part of a sideshow,” according to CalMatters.

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Dillon Fuhrman

YUMA COUNTY, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – A man who allegedly shot at a Yuma County Sheriff’s Office (YCSO) helicopter earlier this month is facing new charges.

According to YCSO, he was originally facing three counts of first-degree attempted murder, but those charges were not filed.

Instead, he is facing seven counts, including aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, endangerment and disorderly conduct.

The man was arrested on June 13 after he allegedly shot at a YCSO helicopter, carrying three deputies, while on routine aerial patrol.

He will be back in court next Monday, June 30, to be formally charged.

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Eduardo Morales

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – Locals throughout Yuma County share mixed reviews about the United States bombing of Iran.

Some locals, like Latosha Hosko. fear the retaliation could have led to more violence.

“Now we have to be terrified and pray every day that nothing happens and leave it in God’s hands you know, there’s only so much we can do you know, I didn’t vote for him,” said Hosko.

While other locals like Walt Loomis feel it’s something that needed to be done.

“I thought it was necessary because they kept threatening us for the last 40 years, and they were getting very close to a nuclear bomb, that could have wiped out half the country,” said Loomis.

Arizona State Senator Tim Dunn says he supports the move made by the president, saying if Iran has nuclear weapons, it’s not a safe situation for anyone.

“That is an exponential threat to the United States and the world, and we need to continue to remove the rest of those sites and this sends a message that we’re not going to tolerate that, and that’s why I think the world is a safer place,” Sen. Dunn says.

Meanwhile U.S Senators took to the social media platform X to share their displeasure with the decision.

“The American people do not want to be dragged into another endless war in the Middle East. I would know. I saw close friends die next to me serving as a Marine in a high-combat unit in Iraq. Each of these deaths was needless,” said Arizona Senator Ruben Gallego via X.

“Trump’s decision to bomb Iran without bringing a plan to Congress and without using all our diplomatic options risks escalation that puts thousands of American troops and families at risk,” added Arizona Senator Mark Kelly.

You can see Kelly’s statement here.

Meanwhile, Governor Katie Hobbs said in a statement on Sunday, “Earlier today, I joined a call with [Sec. Kristi Noem] and fellow governors to discuss threats linked to Iran. I appreciate the Administration’s coordination. Arizona remains vigilant and prepared to protect our communities and critical infrastructure from physical and cyber threats.”

However, it is important to note that since the interviews and statements have been conducted both Israel and Iran have come to a ceasefire.

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Adrik Vargas

EL CENTRO, Calif. (KYMA, KECY) – The City of El Centro has changed a local ordinance, giving police the ability to charge people with a misdemeanor if they refuse services like rehab or mental health support.

City officials say the goal is to reduce public nuisance issues, not to criminalize homelessness.

“Where would they go? If they have a place to take them then that would be awesome to do that, it would force some people to get assistance,” said local resident Jose Rodriguez.

But some community members are concerned the change could do more harm than good.

“I think that charging them with a misdemeanor for refusing services is just gonna further their challenges, like trying to get jobs,” said Valerie Sanchez, another local resident.

Others believe more investment in services would be a better solution.

“I think as long as we continue to offer support and put funding into mental health resources and our Veterans, that might be better for all of us,” said Gannon Strong, another local resident.

Another concerned local, Miriam Silva, added, “I think it’d be better to incentivize them than punish them.”

City officials say support services will continue to be offered, and this ordinance is just one tool to address ongoing issues.

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Karina Bazarte

HEBER, Calif. (KYMA, KECY) – Multiple fires broke out in Heber destroying several vehicles.

Multiple trucks that were loaded caught on fire and quickly spread to a mobile home and a nearby field.

“Immediately escalating the fire to a second alarm incident and then up into a third alarm a few mins after that,” said Cedric Ceseña with the Imperial County Fire Department (ICFD).

ICFD does not know what the two trucks had inside as it is still under investigation.

Residents say they heard a loud explosion and after reported a fire smell.

“Multiple explosions it is unknown but some of that can be tires it could have been the trucks it is unknown at this time,” said Ceseña.

They also say they jumped into action by telling their neighbor to evacuate.

We spoke to the property owner where the trailer is located and she says her sister in law is currently living in the trailer home.

She says she was coming from San Diego when her sister in law called her.

“She said that there was a fire in the back but she didn’t say that the trailer had caught on fire maybe she didn’t know yet,” said the owner.

Imperial Fire Department (IFD) says the fire started around 2:00 p.m. and it’s about 30% contained.

IFD says about 14 customers have no power.

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Michelle Leal

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – The Fourth of July is less than two weeks out and local authorities are once again urging everyone to be cautious when using fireworks.

Illegal fireworks are anything that shoot up in the air and explode. Using firearms is also illegal and can cause accidents.

David Padilla with the Yuma Fire Department outlines some precautions to take when using fireworks.

“Be familiar with the fireworks that you’re using. Make sure that you’re using them in a safe space. We don’t want people using them near brush, near dry grass and then safety thing, glasses make sure that you’re wearing gloves protect yourself. Don’t try to relight any firework that didn’t go off And keep a bucket of water nearby.”

David Padilla, Yuma Fire Department

The sale and use of fireworks begins Tuesday, June 24, and ends on July 6.

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Dillon Fuhrman

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Yuma is reminding community members and outdoor enthusiasts about the requirements for recreational access when using the Barry M. Goldwater Range West (BMGR-W).

MCAS Yuma says this is due to an increase of multiple military units and government agencies in and around BMGR-W.

“Unauthorized access not only endangers the public, but it also interferes with critical mission readiness,” MCAS Yuma says.

MCAS Yuma is offering the following safety information to the public when using BMGR-West:

A range permit is required for any recreational use of BMGR-West, including hiking, off-roading, and wildlife viewing.

Permits must be printed and kept in your vehicle while on the range.

Visitor should be prepared to present their permit if approached by military or federal agency personnel while on the BMGR-W.

All visitors are required to check in and check out online for each visit to ensure public safety and accountability.

To obtain a permit, which is free of charge, click here. For additional information about safe and legal access to the range, click here.

BMGR RANGE PASS EXAMPLEDownload

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