SAN BENITO — A fire that broke out during a Mother’s Day gathering yesterday destroyed a family’s home.
No one was hurt in the blaze.
A family member said the family was gathered at the home on FM 510, near Stenger Road, yesterday afternoon when they noticed smoke and then fire.
Black billowing smoke could be seen from as far away as Harlingen. The fire burned for more than three hours before it was extinguished just after 5 p.m.
The San Benito Fire Department requested assistance from the Los Fresnos and Harlingen fire departments.
“It looks like a total loss,” said Interim San Benito Police Chief Michael Galvan. “The Red Cross has been notified.”
The American Red Cross was at the scene with its emergency response vehicle providing water and other refreshments to emergency crews.
A family member said there was no water at a fire hydrant near the home.
Fire Chief Raul Zuniga said they had “plenty of water.”
He said a fire engine with 1,000 gallons of water was backed up by a water tanker with 3,000 gallons. A water supply was established with a 5-inch hose connected to the fire hydrant in front of the house, which supplied an engine feeding four firefighting lines, he said.
“We had plenty of water and we were never low on water,” Zuniga said.
At the scene, a 5-inch, yellow water line could be seen attached to the fire hydrant.
