Travis County ESD 5 / Manchaca Fire Rescue

Travis County Emergency Services District 5 received a call at approximately 4:20p.m. yesterday for two individuals trapped underneath a house that was under construction. We had experienced what the national weather service was calling 50 to 70 miles an hour straight line winds from a storm. Four workers were working on the house at the time and it started to collapse on them. Two of the workers got out safely but the other two did not. The entire house collapsed, including the second floor, trapping the workers. One of the workers was conscious and breathing and pinned underneath the framework of the house and unfortunately the other worker sustained injuries incompatible with life. A rescue operation which involved the Austin Fire Special Operations team was initiated to stabilize and lift the house off of the individual who was pinned underneath it.

The neighbor next to the house reported that the winds were so intense the trees were blowing sideways and then she heard a loud boom, which was the house collapsing.

Many thanks go to all the rescuers and responders of Travis County Emergency Services District No. 5, the Austin Fire Department, Austin Fire Spec Ops, Austin-Travis County Emergency Medical Services, and Travis County STAR Flight. Also, special thanks to Travis County Emergency Services and Austin Emergency Management and Travis County Sheriff's Office Office who assisted with this event. Our condolences go out to the family of those involved in this tragic incident.

The Travis County Commissioners Court will hold a public hearing on September 1, 2026 at 9a regarding the proposed construction, road closure, and detour of Old San Antonio Rd. and Puryear Rd.

The proposed construction and detour would be from September 16 - February 21, 2027 (approximately 5 months).

For more information, call 512-854-8757

TCESD5 sent Tender 501 out yesterday evening to help with fire fighting efforts on the Ross fire in Jacksboro TX. The 50,000 acre fire continues to grow and is only 8% contained. They rolled in about midnight.

We would like to recognize and honor the passing of one of our former Manchaca VFD Presidents and Captains, Jeff Heater. Jeff was one of our officers in the early 2000's and always had a calm presence about him. Rest in Peace Jeff!

Due to a lack of rain and a climbing Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI), which is now over the 575 threshold, the Travis County Commissioners Court has put a burn ban in effect for Travis County. Outdoor burning in Travis County is now prohibited.

Check us out on NextDoor: https://nextdoor.com/agency/manchaca-fire-rescue-travis-county-esd-5/?i=xbggqjkzqbhrqbmhwbmy

Recognizing our B-Shift crew for lifesaving CPR recently on a 13-year-old female. She is making a full recovery and is alive today largely due to the amazing pre-hospital care performed by our first responders, Austin Fire Department partners, and ATCEMS. Well done, everyone!

TCESD5 Crew prepares for deployment to help with water rescues in Texas.

Fireworks are a big part of Fourth of July celebrations but they can be dangerous. Protect your home and family by following these safety tips.
Fireworks safety video in English: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x8miJoNiTls

Los fuegos artificiales son una parte importante de las celebraciones del 4 de julio, pero pueden resultar peligrosos. Proteja su vivienda y a su familia siguiendo estos consejos de seguridad.
Fireworks safety video in Spanish: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HOx90IPINlA

Manchaca Fire Rescue / Travis County ESD 5 is one of 13 Emergency Services Districts serving Travis County residents. Manchaca Fire Rescue began in 1968 as an all-volunteer fire department. Since 2015, we have been a fully paid, tax-funded political subdivision; a first responder organization, responding to over 1,500 incidents per year, covering the southernmost portion of Travis County, between I-35 and 45SW Toll, and from Slaughter Lane to the Hays County line. Click here for the 2025 Annual Travis County ESD report: https://canva.link/3iwjmydz7o4p4bb