OLTON, Texas — Three homes burned Friday morning in Olton and as of noon, firefighters were will putting out hot spots.
According to the Olton Enterprise, volunteer firefighters from Hart, Springlake and Earth assisted Olton Volunteer Fire Department. More than 50 helped with fires in the 1100 block of Avenue G and the 1300 block of Main Street.
In his 20 years, Olton Fire Chief Hector Galvan said he has never seen anything like the fire that occurred Friday morning.
“We’re used to little brush fires or a single house fire, but nothing like this,” Galvan said.
Galvan said the Olton Volunteer Fire Department were dispatched to the first fire at Avenue G. He said they were able to control the fire, but about thirty minutes later, they were dispatched to a fire less than two blocks away on Main Street.
“We were in the middle of the fire when we were paged out to this one,” Galvan said.
Galvan said his department is not equipped to handle both fires.
“It’s overwhelming for us, that’s the reason we called for mutual aid,” Galvan said.
Olton fire department said the other volunteer departments arrived within 45 minutes to help battle the blaze.
Galvan said the two homes located on Main Street have been declared a total loss.
Galvan said he suspects arson, and said fires don’t start by themselves.
“State fire marshals are here to determine what caused it,” Galvan said.
Galvan said members of the community also dropped off waters and snacks. Many of the firefighters were on scene for more than ten hours. He said he is proud of his department, and thankful for the community’s support.
Sandra Garcia, who is the daughter of the couple whose home was destroyed said the FFA is accepting donations on their behalf. They are accepting men and women’s clothing, and shoes.
The family is requesting men’s 33×32 pants, shoes 10 1/2, large shirts, and women’s pants 8/10, medium shirts, and size 9 shoes.
