Volunteer Fire Articles

By Jim Mustian
The Houston Chronicle

BIG SPRING, Texas — A volunteer firefighter was the first to respond to an early morning blaze Monday that may have claimed the life of his 61-year-old father.

Ronald E. Robey, who according to friends was on home hospice, was pronounced dead in his mobile home north of Big Spring. Given Robey's deteriorating health, officials said it was not immediately clear whether Robey died before or during the fire.

Justice of the Peace Benny Green said he has ordered an autopsy. "It's quite evident what happened," Green said, referring to the cause of the fire.

Tommy Sullivan, the Howard County Volunteer Fire Department chief, attributed the blaze to a lit cigarette.

"I just wanted to make sure everything's covered," Sullivan said.

He said battalion chief Zach Johnson, a firefighter for the past 15 years, was the first to arrive at his father's place.

"It's hitting close to home," Sullivan said.

Sullivan said a neighbor noticed smoke and flames coming out of the mobile home and telephoned authorities about 7:50 a.m.

According to a Big Spring Fire Department account of the blaze, a neighbor tried to enter the home but was driven back by the smoke.

Firefighters found Robey, who used a wheelchair, sitting in his recliner. An oxygen tank positioned near Robey also ignited at some point, Sullivan said.

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