Edinburg Firefighters Respond to Two Mobile Home Fires, One Man Charged with Arson

Photo above: Eliud Casas was charged with arson in the aftermath of a home fire. Photo: Edinburg PD.

Staff Report

EDINBURG, TX — Firefighters in Edinburg responded to two separate mobile home fires on Wednesday, with one incident resulting in an arson charge against a 36-year-old man. Both fires prompted quick action from emergency crews and highlighted the need for caution in preventing home fires.

Morning Fire on Bougainvillea Street

The first fire occurred around 9:50 a.m. on the 500 block of Bougainvillea Street. Upon arrival, firefighters found the home fully engulfed in flames. Investigators determined that the male homeowner had used a 55-gallon barrel to burn wood inside the home as a heating method. Although the homeowner reported extinguishing the fire before going to bed, the fire reignited and spread rapidly as he slept.

Firefighters successfully contained the flames, and no injuries were reported. However, the home sustained significant damage. This incident prompted Edinburg Fire Chief Omar Garza to remind residents to follow safety measures when heating their homes during colder weather, including avoiding open flames or makeshift heating devices indoors.

Afternoon Fire on Martin Street Leads to Arson Charge

The second fire broke out at approximately 1:30 p.m. on the 2100 block of Martin Street. Firefighters brought the fire under control within 10 minutes, ensuring all occupants were safely evacuated without injuries.

Edinburg Police officers responding to the scene detained 36-year-old Eliud Casas after a woman alleged that he had intentionally started the fire. Casas, who appeared intoxicated and was holding a lighter when officers approached him, was taken in for questioning.

On Thursday, Casas was arraigned on an arson charge, with bond set at $25,000. The cause of the fire remains under investigation, but authorities continue to work on gathering additional details.

Safety Reminders

In the wake of these incidents, Chief Garza emphasized the importance of fire safety. Residents are urged to:

• Use heating devices designed for indoor use.
• Keep space heaters at least three feet away from flammable materials.
• Never leave a fire or heat source unattended.
• Avoid using open flames or improvised heating methods indoors.

Both fires underscore the critical need for fire prevention efforts, particularly during colder months. Residents are encouraged to stay vigilant and practice safe heating methods.

Source — Edinburg Fire Department and Edinburg Police Department