Odessa, TX, Fire Lieutenant Dies Battling Trailer Fire
An Odessa Fire Rescue lieutenant died battling a trailer fire Sunday evening.
Lt. Isai Huerta, 29, died at the hospital, Odessa officials announced.
Firefighters were dispatched to a fire in a residential trailer in the 1900 block of South Westcliff Road at 4:59 p.m.
The fire department said conditions deteriorated rapidly, resulting in injuries to three firefighters.
Huerta and two others were transported to Medical Center Hospital where Huerta succumbed to his injuries.
The other firefighters suffered non-life-threatening injuries.
“Isai was a huge part of our organization, a true firefighter,” Fire Chief Jason Cotton said in a statement. “He was always happy, always willing to help, and he truly enjoyed the job.”
Huerta was a a nine-year member of the department.
Earlier this year, Huerta was part of a four-person crew from Odessa Fire Rescue involved in search and recovery effors in Kerrville, TX, where a storm last summer claimed nearly 140 people.
"Tonight, Odessa has lost a hero. Firefighter Isai Huerta dedicated his life to protecting others, and his sacrifice will never be forgotten," Odessa Mayor Cal Hendrick said.
An investigation into the fire is underway by the Texas State Association of Fire Fighters, city officials said.
"Our department is in need of prayer, guidance, and grace as we navigate moving forward, Cotton said. "We grieve alongside Isai's family and ask our community to keep them and our firefighters in their thoughts during this incredibly difficult time."
About the Author
Peter Matthews
Editor-in-Chief
Peter Matthews is the editor-in-chief of Firehouse. He has worked at Firehouse since 1999, serving in various roles on both Firehouse Magazine and Firehouse.com staffs. He completed an internship with the Rochester, NY, Fire Department and served with fire departments in Rush, NY, and Laurel, MD, and was a lieutenant with the Glenwood Fire Company in Glenwood Landing, NY. Matthews served as photographer for the St. Paul, MN, Fire Department and currently is a photographer for the Fort Worth, TX, Fire Department.