MEDINA COUNTY, Texas – Multiple fires in Medina County destroyed three homes Sunday, leaving multiple people looking for new places to call home.
In Devine, the flames ruined two cars, two homes and a trailer, while also displacing 10 people total. But just 25 minutes away, a mobile home was ravaged by another fire.
“It’s crazy. Something you see for the first time in your life and it really freaked me out. But you know, I wasn’t there. Nobody was there to get hurt or anything. It’s just stuff that can get changed or replaced,” said Johnny Jimenez, owner of the mobile home.
Jimenez is counting his blessings. For him, that’s his life and that none of his neighbors were hurt in the fire.
The fire drew a large response at the Valley’s Mobile Home Properties Park, due to the close proximity of the trailers.
Hondo, Lacoste, Rio Medina and Castroville all responded to the scene. The fire is still under investigation, but Jimenez said he was burning leaves in the morning.
“This is a prime example why in central and south Texas, no one should be burning outside at the moment. The dry grass, the high winds... even if you think you have it contained, you don’t really,” said Natalia fire officials
At the Devine fire, there were people burning trash in a barrel when the winds picked up and carried the flames throughout the entire block, according to fire officials.
Other fire agencies were called to aid in that response as well, including Natalia, Hondo, Lytle, Big Foot and Castroville.
No injuries were reported, but fire officials believe some animals didn’t make it out.
Residents who were affected by the fires, including Jimenez, have found places to stay in the meantime.
There’s currently not a burn ban in Medina County but fire officials will enact one on Thursday.
