By FRANCISCO E. JIMENEZ
Staff Writer
reporter@sbnewspaper.com
A number of unrelated fires have been wreaking havoc among local businesses within the past week.
It all started on Saturday, July 9, when two separate fires damage to as many local businesses.
According to Fire Marshal Henry Lopez of the San Benito Fire Department, a call came in at approximately 3 p.m. reporting a fire at Morado’s Termite Pest Control located on State Highway 345. “It burnt some trailers and a Ford Ranger,” said Lopez. “The County Fire Marshal stated that he believed the fire was electrical in nature. It was an electric water pump back there, and he’s thinking that maybe that’s what caused the fire.”
Lopez said that the fire was accidental and no signs of arson were displayed. The fire did, however, consume the Ford Ranger and two trailers used for transporting the pesticide liquid. “I’d say the damage was about $10,000, like the truck and equipment,” Lopez said. “The vehicle was totaled, and so were the trailers.”
Approximately one hour later the fire department responded to a fire at Tacos El Pastor located on 701 E. U.S. Highway 77. “We’re possibly going to appeal to the public to see if they can assist us with any information, because it is arson,” Lopez said. “We picked up some samples that we’re going to be sending to a lab to see if it shows any signs of an accelerant.”
According to Lopez, the fire department discovered a can with some rags inside by the back door, which appeared to have been set on fire, according to fire department officials.
“It wasn’t electrical or anything like that. As of right now there is no motive. We probably won’t know that until we continue investigating and something comes up,” Lopez said.
The damage to the building was said to be very minimal and no more than $100.
Furthermore, on Tuesday morning reports were made of a fire at Mike’s Supermarket in Rio Hondo. But according to Precinct 4 Cameron County Constable Robert Lopez, the fire was in the alley behind the supermarket.
“It was a bed that caught on fire behind Mike’s Supermarket. It was very minor,” said the constable. “At the same time, right across the alley at the day care center, they had a little electrical short that the police department responded to also. Neither call was major, just minor stuff. There was no damage to Mike’s.”
To see this story in print, pick up a copy of the July 13 edition of the San Benito News. Or view our E-Edition by clicking here.
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