Archive for September, 2005

>Fire destroyed a motor home at Balloon Fiesta Park Thursday evening, sending three people to the hospital, one with serious injuries.

Firefighters say the three were inside the motor home attempting to light a gas stove when it sparked, creating a small explosion.

The motor home was camping where hundreds of motor homes from around the country create a mini-village at the Balloon Fiesta every year.

“I stepped outside to walk my dog and I just saw flames shooting way up in the air,” said Debbie Pulliam, who is camped at the park. “I got the dog and ran over here and the fire department was here putting it out by the time I got here but the whole thing looks like a total loss.” Full Story…

>ROCKPORT TX – Despite the severe weather that spread across the northern portions of the Coastal Bend Thursday night, firefighters from Port Arthur, Texas, one of the areas hard hit by Hurricane Rita, made it to Rockport to pick up a new home.

The Dominguez family had contacted the governor’s office earlier this week to offer to lend a motor home to whoever needs it. Two firefighters arrived in the Dominguez driveway to pick up what is now their new fire station.

It will be a command center as well as a place to sleep for the crew there that’s spent several nights outdoor at a Coast Guard station. Port Arthur Fire Chief Shane Droddy said the community here has no idea how much this helps the storm torn area that’s still a long way from getting back to normal. Full Story…