Haslet Fire Rescue

HFR sends our deepest condolences to the Odessa Fire Rescue brotherhood and the family of Lt. Isai Huerta.

Odessa Fire Rescue Mourns the Loss of Firefighter Isai Huerta

ODESSA, Texas — Odessa Fire Rescue is mourning the tragic loss of one of its own following a structure fire on Sunday evening.

At 4:59 p.m., Odessa Fire Rescue crews responded to a residential trailer fire in the 1900 block of South Westcliff Road. While firefighters were operating on scene, conditions deteriorated rapidly, resulting in injuries to three firefighters.

All three firefighters were transported to Medical Center Hospital for treatment. Tragically, one firefighter succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased at the hospital.

The fallen firefighter has been identified as 29-year-old Lieutenant Isai Huerta, who faithfully served the citizens of Odessa as a member of Odessa Fire Rescue for the past nine years. His next of kin has been notified.

"Isai was a huge part of our organization, a true firefighter," said Odessa Fire Rescue Chief Jason Cotton. "He was always happy, always willing to help, and he truly enjoyed the job. Our department is in need of prayer, guidance, and grace as we navigate moving forward. We grieve alongside Isai's family and ask our community to keep them and our firefighters in their thoughts during this incredibly difficult time."

Odessa Mayor Cal Hendrick added, "Tonight, Odessa has lost a hero. Firefighter Isai Huerta dedicated his life to protecting others, and his sacrifice will never be forgotten. On behalf of the City of Odessa, we extend our deepest condolences to his family, his brothers and sisters in the fire service, and everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. We ask our community to join us in keeping them in our prayers as we mourn this heartbreaking loss."

The two other firefighters injured during the incident did not sustain life-threatening injuries and are receiving care and support.

The Texas State Association of Fire Fighters is leading the investigation. Representatives from the International Association of Fire Fighters are also expected to arrive in Odessa tonight to provide additional support.

Odessa Fire Rescue has already begun debriefing personnel and is ensuring first responders have access to all available emotional, mental health, and peer-support resources.

Odessa Fire Rescue will hold a press conference tomorrow to answer questions and provide an update on the investigation.

B-Shift crews assisting FWFD earlier this week.

Earlier this week, A-shift crews assisted Saginaw FD with a working residential structure fire. Truck-128 crew performed vertical ventilation (cutting a hole in the roof to release heat & toxic smoke) and assisted with overhaul operations. Fantastic work by all companies!

As storms moved through the metroplex on Sunday afternoon, HFR C-shift crew responded into the City of Fort Worth for a residential structure fire. Engine-128 established a water supply and assisted with the initial offensive (interior) fire attack efforts before the incident was transitioned to a defensive (exterior) stance. The crew operated for several hours before returning to service. Great teamwork by all crews on scene!

Thanks Nightcrawler Media for several of the below photos.

Early this morning, HFR B-Shift crews responded to back-to-back working residential structure fires. At 02:00, Engine-128 responded into the City of Fort Worth for a reported structure fire. FWFD companies arrived with fire through the roof. E128 operated for an hour before returning to service. At 03:51, Engine-128 & Tanker-128 responded into Tarrant County ESD #1 for a reported structure fire. HFR Engine-128 arrived first, reporting fire through the roof and began an offensive fire attack. Crews from several surrounding jurisdictions worked to control the fire. At 07:00, C-Shift personnel arrived for a crew swap and continued overhaul operations to ensure all hot-spots were extinguished. Crews returned to service at approximately 09:00 this morning.

Tarrant County ESD 1
Saginaw Texas Fire Department
City of Lake Worth Fire Department
Fort Worth Fire Department
Justin Fire Dept.
Newark Volunteer Fire Department

HFR is excited to announce that registration is now open for the 2026 Kids Fire Camp with sponsorship opportunities available. In its 22nd year, this event is the ultimate look into the fire service and daily operations at HFR. Please see the attached flyers for info on registration and sponsorship opportunities. Hurry as space is limited!

We are continually blown away by the support we receive from our community, and this past Saturday was no different. The Milestone Church Serve Team blessed HFR by donating water, Gatorade, snacks, and household goods to the fire station. They also cooked crews a Texas-style steak lunch. The Serve Team had members from all age groups so the A-Shift crew took the opportunity so showcase our equipment and share about our organization.

The very next day, the same crew worked a fire at the nearby BNSF rail yard with resources cycling through the scene for over 12 hours. The donated goods were a blessing during the extended work period and will continue to make a difference as the summer heat approaches.

HFR cannot thank Milestone Church enough for their generosity. We are proud to work for such an amazing community!

The National Weather Service (NWS) office in Fort Worth has issued a Tornado Watch for most counties in the North Central Texas region to include Tarrant County. Although the main threat this afternoon and evening is still large hail, NWS cannot rule out a possible tornado within the region. Potential estimates for hail size from the Red River throughout the metroplex could be as large as baseball size. The timing for impacting the metroplex is from 4p-10p with the current thinking from NWS being between 5p-6p.

The following criteria are considered when determining if Haslet’s Outdoor Warning Sirens should be activated:

• Tornado Warning issued by the National Weather Service

• Trained storm spotter report of a tornado

• Hail 1.5 inches or larger

• Winds of 70 mph or higher

• Other outdoor emergencies

The situation will be continually monitored. Please remain weather aware and have multiple ways to receive information.

National Weather Service has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning that includes Haslet until 11:00pm. The main threats are 80 mph wind gusts and baseball size hail. This is a very dangerous storm. Please remain indoors in a protected interior location away from any windows.

**Update at 10:55pm

A new Tornado Watch has been issued until 5:00am on 4/26.

Outdoor warning sirens set off for wind conditions of 70+ mph in the area.