Canutillo, Texas (El Paso County) -- At approximately 3:45 PM on May 7, 2004, the El Paso 9-1-1 Center started receiving calls reporting a transmission business on fire. The Fire Dispatch Center alerted the West Valley Volunteer Fire Department along with El Paso City Fire Department for a fully involved building fire at Leo's Automotive and Transmission Shop (6690 Doniphan Drive in Canutillo, Texas).
Off-duty federal firefighter/EMT and volunteer fire chief, Shane Shifflett, assisted in alerting the owner that his business was on fire. The owner, Leo De Los Reyes was on the other end of the building at the time of the fire.
Workers of the automotive shop worked hand and hand trying to save vehicles in the building prior to fire department arriving on scene. On arrival, WVFD and Pumper 2 EPFD advised the building was fully involved requesting more units making it a condition 4 fire. Additional fire and EMS units were called in from Texas and New Mexico.
The fire spread rapidly due to the windy conditions. Firefighters first on scene made an exterior attack due to the intense heat and exploding bottles inside of the building.
Fire investigators from El Paso City Fire Department stated the fire began due to employees burning brush in the back of the building. They claimed they thought the fire was out and it actually rekindled.
Crews responded from El Paso County, Texas, Dona Ana County, New Mexico, and El Paso City Fire/EMS.
