03/07/2026
🚨 Incident Response – Interstate 10 Westbound 🚨
Today at approximately 2:22 PM, the Waelder Volunteer Fire Department and Gonzales County ESD #1 EMS/Rescue were paged out to Interstate 10 westbound near mile marker 653 for the report of a two-vehicle accident.
While units were en route, Texas Highway Patrol Troopers arrived on location and advised that a SUV pulling a camper was fully engulfed in flames.
While responding, Fire Chief Bobby White requested additional mutual aid manpower from the Flatonia Fire Department. Chief Grauke with the Ottine Volunteer Fire Department overheard the radio traffic and notified Chief White that his station was staffed and that he also had a unit nearby. Chief White advised Ottine Fire Department to go ahead and send the unit to assist.
Chief White arrived on scene and began making an initial fire attack on the vehicles. While approaching the interstate, traffic was backed up for several miles, which would have delayed incoming apparatus. Due to the fire conditions, Chief White requested a water tender from the Gonzales Fire Department.
Shortly after, Chief Grauke, Tender 95, and Attack 94 from the Waelder Volunteer Fire Department arrived on scene and began assisting with suppression efforts. The Flatonia Fire Department also arrived with a tender, engine, and additional manpower, allowing crews to quickly gain control of the fire. Once adequate resources were on scene, Gonzales Fire Department was advised they could cancel their response.
Additional assistance on scene included Flatonia Volunteer Fire Department, Ottine Volunteer Fire Department, and Gonzales County Rescue 3.
Teamwork like this leads to the best possible outcome for everyone involved. Unfortunately, the number of volunteers serving our communities continues to decline each year. Incidents like this highlight how critical mutual aid and volunteer firefighters are to rural communities.
The Waelder Volunteer Fire Department would like to thank all agencies and personnel who assisted on this call.
All occupant suffered minor injuries.
We would also like to encourage everyone to consider volunteering with your local fire department. Stop and ask yourself one important question:
If you call 911… who will show up?
🚒 Waelder Volunteer Fire Department
Serving Our Community with Pride and Commitment
