Fire at Old Hygeia Dairy Plant Under Investigation

Blazes at abandoned buildings reportedly a growing trend

HARLINGEN - Harlingen fire investigators are trying to determine what started a fire at a vacant building.

The blaze happened at the old Hygeia Dairy plant early Saturday morning. A small part of the building was damaged.

But fire officials tell us it's another example of a growing trend of vacant building fires in the city.

"We hadn't had nothing in quite a while, but here lately, we've been having quite a bit," says Captain Jose Garcia of the Harlingen Police Department.

Firefighters dealt with another fire in abandoned building in March. That's when an old H-E-B warehouse burned to the ground.

Garcia tells us crews are prepared for fires in empty structures. We learned they do daily checks on vacant buildings.

"We have a plan in that we constantly drive around, look at the situation... the housing, the buildings nearby, obstacles in our way, cars parked in the alley so we can't get access, things of that nature. So when it does come upon and catch fire, we'll be able to avoid those areas," he explains.

"We also view them on a daily basis to see how many people linger around the area," he adds.

Garcia says looking for people trapped in a building fire is always a priority.

"We try to make sure we get a primary search going... first things first," he tells us.

He says by staying vigilant, firefighters can limit the number of empty buildings destroyed by fires and also limit the damage to nearby homes.

Meanwhile, the fire department is asking anyone who sees suspicious activity around abandoned buildings to call them at 427-8880.