Saturday, March 21, 2009

Fire destroys family's home

Gerald Garner Jr. El Defensor Chieftain Editor, ggarner@dchieftain.com

A fire on Monday, March 16, leveled a mobile home in Veguita and left the Cervantes family scrambling to pick up the pieces.

Veguita firefighters got the call shortly before 11 a.m.

"When we responded to the scene, we had a tanker and a pumper truck and we began our initial attack," Veguita Fire Chief Tony Ortega said. "It was smoking up really bad."

Two firefighters from Ortega's department began the initial attack until mutual aid from the Rio Communities and Abeytas fire departments arrived in support. Six additional members of the Veguita department also arrived to assist in the effort.

Ortega said it wasn't until a second pumper truck arrived that firefighters were able to put out the flames.

"We finally got it under control when the Rio Communities pumper arrived," the chief said. "Unfortunately, the mobile home was a total loss."

The home belonged to José Cervantes, his wife and three children. Ortega said no one was injured in the blaze since none of the family members were home at the time.

Crews worked for the better part of two hours to douse the fire and mop up the scene.

To aid the family, a local donation drive has been initiated.

Healthy Family Initiatives and the Socorro County Treasurer's Office are accepting donations of food, clothing, bedding and household items. HFI is also accepting donations of furniture to assist the family.

HFI representatives said the family's clothing needs are as follows: extra large for the mother; large for the father; 3T boys clothes for a toddler and clothing for sixth- and 10th-grade boys as well.

Call Betty Cline at 575-835-8709 for more information.

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