A house fire in Converse led to the rescue of three dogs and inspired a new pet safety initiative.

Nearly 100 volunteers will be helping to spruce up a family cemetery in Converse that holds a part of the area’s history.

CONVERSE, Texas – A Converse family is displaced after a lightning strike set their house on fire, according to the Converse Fire Department. According to Converse Fire Chief Luis Valdez, firefighters arrived at the scene in a matter of minutes. Converse Firefighters responded to a reported lightening strike and found a working house fire. Valdez said the family was home at the time of the fire and had heard a “loud boom,” following the lightning strike, and the power went out. The family went outside and saw the flames coming from the attic.

CONVERSE, Texas – The Converse Fire Department is mourning the loss of one of their own on Saturday. Firefighter and paramedic Joseph Mitchell, a six-year veteran of the department, died while off-duty after suffering a medical episode, according to a release from the fire department. Mitchell leaves behind his wife and two-year-old twins, according to fire officials. We ask for prayers for Rochelle, their children and family during this time,” Chief Valdez said. MORE: Converse Fire Department holds private stair climb to honor 9/11 heroes

People celebrate after the resignation of interim president Manuel Merino, at Plaza San Martin in Lima, Peru, Sunday, Nov. 15, 2020. (AP Photo/Martin Mejia)LIMA – Peru’s interim president resigned Sunday as the nation plunged into its worst constitutional crisis in two decades following massive protests unleashed when Congress ousted the nation’s popular leader. The politician agreed to step down after a night of unrest in which two young protesters were killed and half his Cabinet resigned. Congress called an emergency session for Sunday evening to select a new president, but was still debating the question late into the night. Merino, previously head of Congress, stepped in as interim president, but his six-day rule was marred by constant protests.

In previous years, the Converse Fire Department climbed the stairs at the Tower of the Americas as part of San Antonio 110′s 9/11 Memorial Climb. Due to COVID-19 precautions, the event was held virtually, encouraging registered participants to plan a tribute challenge. Converse Fire Chief, Luis Valdez opted to continue with the traditional stair climb, with limited capacity. Converse Fire Department hosts private stair climb to honor 9/11 heroes (Copyright 2020 by KSAT - All rights reserved.) Valdez said he hopes the stair climb at the local stadium in Converse becomes an annual event open to the community.

SAN ANTONIO – A captain with the Converse Fire Department who is described as a “selfless leader” has died due to COVID-19, officials said Wednesday. Fire Captain Bryant Anderson, who worked with the department for 16 years, died on Tuesday. A release from the fire department called Anderson a “well-credentialed professional” who played a vital role throughout the years. “Our department is hurting from this news and this loss is devastating,” Fire Chief Luis Valdez said in a statement. Read also: 143 new COVID-19 cases reported in San Antonio, Bexar County