Home / Disasters and Accidents / Odessa Firefighter Dies in Blaze, 5 Injured
Odessa Firefighter Dies in Blaze, 5 Injured
16 Jun
Summary
- Odessa firefighter Lt. Isai Huerta died Sunday; five others injured.
- This is the first line-of-duty death for Odessa Fire Rescue since 1991.
- An investigation into the fire is ongoing by state authorities.
Odessa is mourning the loss of Lt. Isai Huerta, who died on Sunday following a fire incident. This marks the first line-of-duty death for Odessa Fire Rescue since December 13, 1991. Five other firefighters were injured in the blaze and have since been treated and released from the hospital.
Fire Chief Jason Cotton described the event as a dark day for the department and the community, thanking citizens for their overwhelming support. The fire, which occurred in the 1900 block of South Westcliff, saw an initial response of 16 personnel from six units, growing to a total of 31 personnel and 13 units. Midland Fire Rescue provided assistance by staffing two Odessa firehouses.
The Texas State Fire Marshal's Office and the Texas Commission on Fire Protection are leading the ongoing investigation into the fire. Representatives from the International Association of Fire Fighters and the Texas Line of Duty Death Task Force are also present to offer support. A memorial area has been established at Central Fire Station, and an online condolence page is available on the City of Odessa's website.
