On April 17, 2013, at 1933 hrs, firefighters and other responders were operating at the scene of a fire at the West Fertilizer Company on 1471 Jerry Mashek Dr. in West, Texas. Initial reports indicate that as the situation on the fire ground worsened, the fire chief ordered all personnel to evacuate the property. Shortly thereafter, a massive explosion occurred damaging or destroying a portion of the City of West. Many people were injured or killed as a result of the explosion, including five firefighters from the West Volunteer Fire Department. Due to the timely efforts of first responders and other volunteers working in the face of pending catastrophe to evacuate occupancies nearby the fertilizer plant, many other lives were saved.
Several other emergency responders were also killed in the incident. Their names and additional information about their deaths will be forwarded, as appropriate, as additional information becomes available.
Investigation into the cause of the fire, explosion, and resulting fatalities continues by local, state and federal authorities.
Firefighter Cody Draggo, 50, a volunteer of the West Volunteer Fire Department.
Our condolences to the Draggo Family & Friends, the West Volunteer Fire Department and to all affected by Firefighter Cody Draggo's passing.
To date, 24 firefighter fatalities has been reported to USFA in 2013. Year-to-date monthly and annual USFA firefighter fatality reports are posted online at U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) Fatality Notices page.
Firefighter Joseph Pustejousky, a volunteer of the West Volunteer Fire Department.
Our condolences to the Pustejousky Family & Friends, the West Volunteer Fire Department and to all affected by Firefighter Joseph Pustejousky's passing.
To date, 23 firefighter fatalities has been reported to USFA in 2013. Year-to-date monthly and annual USFA firefighter fatality reports are posted online at U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) Fatality Notices page.
Firefighter Douglas Snokhous, 50, and Firefighter Robert Snokhous, 48, are brothers and both were volunteers of the West Volunteer Fire Department.
Our condolences to the Snokhous Family & Friends, the West Volunteer Fire Department and to all affected by Firefighter Douglas Snokhous' and Firefighter Robert Snokhous' passings.
To date, 21 and 22 firefighter fatalities has been reported to USFA in 2013. Year-to-date monthly and annual USFA firefighter fatality reports are posted online at U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) Fatality Notices page.
To date, 21 and 22 firefighter fatalities has been reported to USFA in 2013. Year-to-date monthly and annual USFA firefighter fatality reports are posted online at U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) Fatality Notices page.
Firefighter Morris Briges, 41, a volunteer of the West Volunteer Fire Department.
Our condolences to the Bridges Family & Friends, the West Volunteer Fire Department and to all affected by Firefighter Morris Bridges's passing.
To date, 20 firefighter fatalities has been reported to USFA in 2013. Year-to-date monthly and annual USFA firefighter fatality reports are posted online at U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) Fatality Notices page.
(The usual disclaimers: I am not a journalist; This is a blog that expresses an outlook and is not conclusive in any shape or manner.)
