Tagged News

• Firefighters battle blaze at decommissioned power plant in Texas

  November 16, 2025 12:46 PM

  TEXAS CITY, Texas (AP) — Firefighters in southeastern Texas battled a blaze at a decommissioned power plant that sent large plumes of smoke into the air Sunday morning and local officials warned area residents to avoid the smoke. The fire broke out at the decommissioned plant in the Texas... more »

• Rio Hondo firefighters battling house fire Play Video

  October 12, 2025 4:12 PM

  Firefighters in Rio Hondo are battling a Sunday house fire, officials said. The fire broke out on Sunday afternoon on Centerline Road. Channel 5 News reached out to the Rio Hondo Police Department and was told the house was abandoned and no injuries were reported. A cause... more »

• Pay raise expected for McAllen firefighters under new agreement Play Video

  September 24, 2025 6:49 PM

  McAllen city commissioners and the McAllen Fire Union signed a new three-year collective bargaining agreement, according to a Wednesday news release from the city. The agreement reinforces a strong partnership dedicated to public safety and service excellence, the news release states. Under the agreement, McAllen firefighters are expected... more »

• New state law will provide cancer screenings for firefighters Play Video

  September 15, 2025 11:10 PM

  A new state law will provide cancer screenings for firefighters, and require cities to pay for them. The Wade Cannon Act goes into effect on June 1, 2026. As a firefighter with the Mission fire Department, Homer Salinas said there are the dangers you can see, and others... more »

• US marks 24th anniversary of 9/11 terror attacks Play Video

  September 11, 2025 7:10 PM

  On the morning of Sept. 11, 2001, the world, watched in shock as the unimaginable unfolded. At 8:46 a.m., a plane struck the north tower of the World Trade Center. Just 17 minutes later, a second plane hit the south tower. The attacks continued when a third... more »

• More Edinburg firefighters deployed to Central Texas for flood recovery efforts Play Video

  August 1, 2025 6:31 PM

  More Edinburg firefighters are heading to Kerrville for flood recovery efforts. Two were deployed to the area on Friday. They're a part of the Texas A&M Task Force 1 Response Team. The firefighters took a boat along with them to search the Guadalupe River. RELATED STORY: Edinburg firefighter... more »

• Edinburg man speaks on how smoke alarm installed by fire department saved him Play Video

  August 1, 2025 6:09 PM

  The aftermath of a fire at an Edinburg home shows how much damage was done. The fire happened on Tuesday and resulted in parts of the roof caving in and the walls black from smoke. The homeowner was inside getting ready to go to bed when the fire... more »

• Weslaco, La Joya first responders head to Kerrville to provide support for flood victims Play Video

  July 11, 2025 11:29 AM

  Weslaco firefighters and the La Joya Police Department made the trip to Kerrville to provide support and aid to flood victims. The city of Weslaco posted on Facebook that two members of the fire department were deployed to assist in flood recovery efforts. The city said firefighter Justin... more »

• Firefighters from Mexico arrive in Central Texas to aid in flood recovery Play Video

  July 8, 2025 3:04 PM

  Firefighters from Mexico are in Central Texas helping search for flood victims. On Monday, the Nuevo León State Government announced they’ve made the Nuevo León Emergency Management team available to support the search for missing persons, as well as providing canine officers and equipment to work in the area.... more »

• New virus relief policies to protect firefighters not available at all Valley cities Play Video

  April 14, 2020 7:37 PM

  WESLACO - A new policy in Mission protects employees if they get infected with the coronavirus. On Monday night, Mission city council asked the city manager to draft an administrative leave policy for any work-related COVID-19 incident that will cover all city employees, including first responders. City officials... more »

• At least 4 homes damaged in La Feria fire Play Video

  March 26, 2020 5:17 PM

  LA FERIA – Emergency responders in La Feria and Harlingen rushed to save homes after a fire broke out. The windy and dry conditions made matters worse. It happened near South Solis Road and 4th Street where officials are currently monitoring hotspots. Cameron County Fire Marshal Juan Martinez... more »

• No injuries reported in Pharr house fire, officials investigate Play Video

  March 11, 2020 6:14 PM

  PHARR – A house fire in Pharr on Wednesday afternoon is under investigation. It happened at a residence near Fir Street and Polk Avenue. Pharr firefighters put out the fire in just a few minutes. Lt. Felipe Pedraza told CHANNEL 5 NEWS the fire started in a room... more »

• Firefighters battle multiple blazes in Mid-Valley Play Video

  February 27, 2020 5:22 PM

  DONNA – A busy day for firefighters in the Mid-Valley. Three fires erupted Thursday in the Donna area. Foul play is not suspected in the first blaze, which destroyed about 60 hay bales and tractor tires, according to investigators. It broke out between North Alamo and Donna. Watch... more »

• Possible grease fire at Donna mobile home under investigation Play Video

  February 25, 2020 6:24 PM

  DONNA – A possible grease fire destroyed a mobile home in Donna. A woman and her children were inside at the time and get out safely. Susana Perez says she and her three children rushed out of their home Monday night when they realized their stove was on fire.... more »

• Mission firefighters wait for approval to use oxygen masks to aid animals in emergencies Play Video

  February 4, 2020 4:18 PM

  MISSION – Mission firefighters will soon be able to offer first aid to pets. Four bags filled with equipment for animals were recently donated. The donations came after Mission firefighters were seen on a reality TV show pulling dogs from a burning house. They had to use their own... more »

• Fire at Retirement Community in McAllen Possibly Caused by Cigarettes

  January 14, 2020 6:59 PM

  MCALLEN - Fire investigators say a fire at a retirement community in McAllen was possibly caused by cigarettes not properly put out. The fire broke out Saturday afternoon on the 2100 block of South Cynthia, damaging two units. Investigators are calling it an accident. Four people were... more »

• Cause of Fruit Stand Fire in Progreso Remains Unknown Play Video

  December 18, 2019 4:58 PM

  PROGRESO - The cause of a fruit stand fire in Progreso remains unknown at the moment. Public Safety officials say nobody was injured. The owner was inside the building, but made it out safely. Firefighters from Weslaco, Mercedes, Donna and Alamo assisted in putting out the fire. more »

• Fire Investigators Finding Cause of Mission Landfill Blaze Play Video

  December 17, 2019 6:28 PM

  MISSION – A fire broke out at the city sanitation landfill in Mission. Fire investigators are working to figure out how it started. The fire could be seen off Expressway 83 and South Conway Avenue. At the moment, firefighters are making sure the fire doesn’t reignite. Fire officials... more »

• Crews Working to Contain Brush Fire near Linn-San Manuel Play Video

  December 16, 2019 9:55 PM

  LINN-SAN MANUEL – Dry air and strong winds is hampering firefighters working to put out a brush fire north of Edinburg. Strong winds are making it difficult for crews to fight the fire near 281, about nine miles north of Linn-San Manuel. Officials say the fire is not... more »

• A Sacrifice: Valley First Responders Working Holidays Play Video

  November 28, 2019 5:53 PM

  EDINBURG – The work never stops for the men and women wearing badges during the holidays. For some first responders, it’s their first Thanksgiving away from their loved ones. “So I will not be spending it with him, but it’s part of the job. I mean, we protect... more »

• Denied Workers' Compensation Claims Explained Play Video

  November 12, 2019 10:31 PM

  MISSION – Some Mission firefighters are facing cancer battles. One took his fight to lawmakers and managed to change workmans' compensation laws. First responders who get cancer can file claims. The trend shows they'll more than likely be initially denied. Last week, CHANNEL 5 NEWS heard from Mission... more »

• Mission Firefighters: The Fight for Life Play Video

  November 5, 2019 10:39 PM

  MISSION – Firefighters tasked with protecting the community were left helpless when they received a cancer diagnosis. Some lost their fight. Others were set on a path that would change their lives and the law forever. In just a few years, the Mission Fire Department went from one... more »

• Faulty Hydrant a Factor in Donna Blaze, Leaves Family Homeless Play Video

  July 9, 2019 5:45 PM

  DONNA – A Rio Grande Valley family is homeless after their home was burned to the ground. A fire hydrant was only a couple of feet away from the house in Donna, but when firefighters needed water – nothing came out. The hydrant was closed. The Donna... more »

• Fire Crews Monitor Hotspots after Sebastian Home Engulfed in Flames Play Video

  June 28, 2019 12:06 PM

  SEBASTIAN – Firefighters are on the scene of a house fire in Sebastian that started a few hours ago. It happened just off Garcia Street where a fire broke out and completely destroyed the home. Firefighters received the call just before 10 a.m. Friday. Crews from Lyford,... more »

• Fire Under Control at Willacy Co. Prison Play Video

  June 4, 2019 1:02 PM

  RAYMONDVILLE – Emergency crews responded to a fire at a Rio Grande Valley prison. Willacy County Sheriff Larry Spence confirms there was a fire at the federal prison earlier Tuesday. He said he doesn’t know the extent of the damage. CHANNEL 5 NEWS has a crew heading... more »

• Firefighters Await Cancer Protection Bill to be Signed Play Video

  May 30, 2019 7:18 PM

  MISSION - Firefighters in Texas are waiting for a bill to be signed by the governor that will help those who get cancer on the job. A Mission firefighter and a Rio Grande Valley senator teamed-up to help protect first-responders fighting for their lives. Homer Salinas is proud... more »

• Emergency Crews Respond to Pallet Fire in Donna on FM 493 Play Video

  April 30, 2019 9:02 AM

  DONNA – Firefighters responded to a fire on property used for pallet storage in Donna. Emergency crews from Alamo, Elsa, Donna and Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office were on the scene Tuesday morning. Hidalgo County sheriff deputies say the call came in just after 8 a.m. No injuries... more »

• McAllen Suing to Stop Death Benefits to Firefighter's Descendants Play Video

  February 19, 2019 8:54 PM

  MCALLEN – A widow is fighting to keep her husband's death benefits. She says he previously worked as a firefighter and died of cancer in 2012. The benefits were awarded to her, but she says the City of McAllen wants to stop them. Robert Torres served as... more »

• Fire Breaks Out at Drive-Thru in Weslaco Play Video

  December 20, 2018 2:40 PM

  WESLACO – Firefighters and police responded to a fire that broke out at a Weslaco drive-thru. It happened at Business 83 and Bridge Avenue on Thursday morning. The storage area outside of the drive-thru went up in flames. The cause is still unknown. more »

• 2 Firefighters Being Treated for Heat Exhaustion Play Video

  July 24, 2018 6:14 PM

  PENITAS – Two Penitas firefighters were admitted to the hospital Tuesday afternoon for heat exhaustion. City Manager Omar Romero says the firefighters were working traffic control when they fell ill. Symptoms of heat exhaustion include heavy sweating, weakness, pale and clammy skin, nausea and weak pulse. Seek medical attention if... more »

• Firefighters Describe Scene of Fatal Fire in Mission Play Video

  July 23, 2018 3:57 PM

  MISSION – A house fire that killed three people in Mission is currently under investigation. The Alton Fire Department responded to the scene Sunday and pulled out several people from the home. KRGV’s Cecilia Gutierrez spoke with the first responders who battled the blaze and described the scene as chaotic.... more »

• Alamo Firefighter Recovering after Battling House Fire Play Video

  July 6, 2018 8:53 PM

  ALAMO – An Alamo firefighter is recovering after battling a house fire Friday afternoon. He had trouble breathing after entering the home which was filled with smoke. Investigators say the homeowner tried fighting the fire himself. Firefighters arrived in time to keep the house from burning down. The cause of... more »

• Fire Officials Say Hydration is Key during Hot Temperatures Play Video

  June 11, 2018 6:48 PM

  EDINBURG – Firefighters continue to face triple-digit temperatures outside and at the workplace. CHANNEL 5 NEWS wanted to find out how they keep protected from the heat while responding to calls. Edinburg Deputy Fire Chief Ubaldo Perez says hydration is key. He says breaks when working a blaze also helps... more »

• City Leaders in Edinburg Looking to Staff More Firefighters

  April 16, 2018 5:40 PM

  EDINBURG – Edinburg city leaders are looking to hire more firefighters. Recruiters will be testing applicants at the Edinburg Activity Center located on East Palm Dr. on Monday, May 14th. Applications will be available at city hall during business hours and online until April 27th. Watch the video above for... more »