On October 2, 2009, tragedy struck in Lorenzo, Texas. At approximately 10:30 am smoke was seen coming from a window of the house at 110 North Van Buren, This smoke was noticed by Pedro Hinojos, an employee of the City of Lorenzo, who reported the possible fire and had the Lorenzo Fire Department dispatched to the scene. Once on scene the Lorenzo firemen began the process of determining if the house was occupied and the steps needed to contain the fire and keep it from spreading to neighboring homes.
Police Chief Robert Bybee and patrolman Steven Longoria along with reserve officer Kurtis Clifton, began clearing oxygen cylinders away from the doors and moving other objects to make entry easier for the firemen.
Fire Chief Cory Adams and fireman Daniel Edwards entered the house and made their way through the house to see if anyone could be found even though the smoke was so thick that while they were touching they could not see each other. After exiting the house these two men, along with Firemen Colt Callahan, Eric Mount, Mark Majors, Kelly Inman and Amy Duncan, began the work of fighting the fire and keeping it from spreading.
The Lorenzo Fire Department was assisted by units from Ralls Fire Department, Idalou Fire Department, Crosbyton Fire Department and Crosbyton EMS.
The hard work and dedication of this large group of VOLUNTEERS contained the fire to this one house and kept it from getting to any of the neighboring structures.
Regrettably, there was one fatality in the fire, the owner of the home Rita Crelia, whose body was found in the rubble and ashes of her home did not make it out of the house and lost her life.
Even with this loss of life the residents of the neighborhood can breathe a sigh of relief that the fire did not spread. It is the opinion of this writer that this is due to the dedication and training of the Volunteers of the fire departments that were able to respond to this fire and contain it.
The citizens of this county are very fortunate to have this group of hard working dedicated individuals, willing to give of their time to serve their neighbors. I spoke with one of the Firemen at the scene that told me he was about to leave town with his family when the call came in and he told his family that he had to go, and he doesn’t even live in Lorenzo. Each of these men and women, from each of these communities, deserve a big pat on the back and a thank you from each of us whenever we see them.
Thank you all for your willingness to serve others in this community and this county.
James Lively
Lorenzo, Texas
