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Flames consume Linn-San Manuel fire station; department's service to continue, chief says
Follow Gail Burkhardt on Twitter: @GailBurkhardt
SAN MANUEL — The Linn-San Manuel fire chief wants the public to know that despite losing much of their equipment, his firefighters will continue to serve the community.
A fire destroyed the all-volunteer department’s station after 9:30 p.m. Saturday. Along with burning down the building, the blaze ruined a pumper truck, rescue gear and medical equipment. The department still has one tanker and two brush trucks, which were with the firefighters at a Christmas party in Edinburg, fire Chief Domingo Hinojosa Jr. said.
A 9-1-1 dispatcher called Hinojosa and the volunteers headed from the party to the fire immediately, he said.
Hidalgo County Fire Marshal Juan Martinez said his office was investigating the cause of the fire.
“We’re testing electrical systems; we’re testing fire debris; there’s a lot of things we need to take care of (before determining the cause),” he said.
The building, which used to be a gas station, was about 60 years old, he said.
Several departments — including those of Pharr, Alamo, McAllen, Mission, Raymondville and Edinburg — came out to fight the blaze, Hinojosa said.
Valley departments continue to help by lending gear and a truck, Hinojosa said.
Hinojosa said he doesn’t know how much it will cost to replace everything, but the department will have to fundraise to rebuild.
“We have some money that’s in our accounts, plus we’re going to do some fundraising and reach out to the community and ask for help,” he said.
The Guerra Brothers, the company that owns the land surrounding the fire station, is allowing the fire department to use a shed and old convenience store next door. The firefighters will meet and have training in the old convenience store and store equipment in the shed, Hinojosa said.
Hinojosa said the incident has been an “emotional rollercoaster” for the firefighters.
He emphasized that the department will still provide help to those who need it.
“We're going to continue to serve and protect our community,” Hinojosa said. “We still have fire equipment.”
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Gail Burkhardt covers Mission, western Hidalgo County, Starr County and general assignments for The Monitor. She can be reached at gburkhardt@themonitor.com and (956) 683-4462.
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Follow Gail Burkhardt on Twitter: @GailBurkhardt
