On Saturday, two house fires arose in the Wimberley area within 90 minutes of each other. At 12:49 p.m., Wimberley Fire Rescue was dispatched to the area of FM 32. Fire Chief Christopher Robbins posted, “crews encountered heavy fire involvement and extreme heat conditions.” They were aided by the South Hays Fire Department and Canyon Lake Fire Department. According to the Hays County Fire Marshal, the fire destroyed the home.
While units remained on the scene of the first fire, Wimberley Fire Rescue was dispatched at 2:08 p.m. to a second, fully involved structure fire in the area of Gold Rush Circle. According to the Fire Marshal, “the structure, a two-story, single-family residence, was discovered on fire by employees of the Pedernales Electric Coop. The homeowner was not at home at the time of the fire. The fire destroyed the second floor of the home and caused a partial collapse.”
At the scene of the second fire, Wimberley Fire Chief Christopher Robbins requested help from North Hays County Fire Rescue. It was learned that there were two dogs trapped inside the residence, but despite rescue efforts, one of the dogs did not survive.
While both fires resulted in tremendous property loss, no human lives were lost.
While extinguishing the second structure fire, Wimberley Fire Rescue was dispatched to four additional incidents throughout the district.
”After the second structure fire was dispatched, off-duty Wimberley firefighters began arriving at the station without being requested, ready to support their brothers and sisters on the fire line and to continue protecting this community,” Robbins said. “That response speaks to the character, dedication, and heart of this department.”
He called February 28 “a demanding and challenging day for our organization and it underscored the strength of regional cooperation in Hays County, as well as the unwavering commitment of your Wimberley firefighters to continue serving without hesitation.”
A Gofundme page for Viviene and Caril Roberts, one of the families that lost their home. To donate, visit gofundme.com/f/support-vivian-and-caril-roberts-after-devastating-fire.
Both fires are currently under investigation.
