VIDEO: Calallen grad Valerie Perez is a member of Corpus Christi Fire Station 7, but when she's not protecting the Coastal Bend she's putting out fires on the baseball diamond with the Firefighters. "Three years ago I think I picked up a baseball for the first time in 19 years," Perez said. "A ball competitively was about 10 years, so three years ago until now just between USA Baseball which opened the door to this kind of opportunity." A rare opportunity through Savannah Banana Ball that named Perez the first manager for the Firefighters baseball team."Firefighting also is what brought these two worlds together," Perez said. "I never would have guessed this is the place I'd be." The season started May 30, and since then Perez has knocked a base hit and even fielded a trick play.  

VIDEO: A staple of the Harker Heights community is now considered a total loss after catching fire Thursday afternoon. Fire crews responded to a fire at the Texas Skateland skating rink in the 200 block of Cox Drive in Harker Heights. After putting out the fire, the building has been deemed a total loss. The skating rink has been around since the 1960s and has been in the Morken family since 1981. One member of the Morken family, Steven Morken, lives in an apartment attached to the business and as he was getting ready to leave noticed the fire. "I was coming up front when I heard this loud popping noise and I turned around and saw a big fire," Steven said. "It was bright orange." Steven's sister, Natalie, has helped her parents make the skating rink a home for everyone, even making major life changes to help keep the legacy going.  

VIDEO: Multiple shark attacks were reported Thursday on South Padre Island during Fourth of July celebrations. A man suffered a severe shark bite to his leg Thursday around 11 a.m., South Padre Island City Secretary Nikki Soto told The Associated Press. It reportedly happened near Wanna Wanna Beach Bar and Grill. The man was immediately treated at the beach by the fire and police department and was then taken to a hospital. There's been no update on his condition or the extent of his injuries. "Currently, the South Padre Island Beach Patrol, fire, and police departments are patrolling the shoreline and utilizing drones," Soto said. According to CBS News, more attacks have been reported since then, including another person who was treated by paramedics less than half a mile from the first attack.  

VIDEO/PHOTO: Thousands of spectators gathered at Wylie High School's Hugh Sandifer Stadium for the highly anticipated WesTex Connect Fireworks Spectacular on July 3rd. The event, held for the first time at this venue, promised a night of dazzling fireworks, music, and community spirit. However, it took an unexpected turn when a fire broke out nearby. The fireworks show began shortly after dark, captivating the audience with its vibrant display. After nearly an hour of stunning fireworks, a wildfire ignited, prompting a swift response from the Abilene Fire Department. Firefighters rushed to contain the blaze, which started soon after the fireworks began. Several fire trucks were seen heading to the scene to extinguish the flames and manage hot spots.  

Firefighters have contained a fast-moving fire that left someone hurt near Peoria Thursday morning. Several pets are also missing. According to Rural Metro firefighters, the blaze started around 9:30 a.m. as a barbecue fire outside spread to the home near 88th Avenue and Williams Road. The house is located on an unincorporated county island surrounded by the City of Peoria. Crews from Peoria Fire-Medical were first on the scene as the fire quickly spread through the home. Officials say fire hydrants are scarce in the neighborhood because unincorporated areas don't have the same building code requirements as most cities and areas covered by fire districts. Because of the water delay, Peoria firefighters took a defensive position and called for a first-alarm response.  

VIDEOS: An Oklahoma City firefighter has carved the Fourth of July and patriotism into his yard this year, and he plans to go even bigger in the future. Jared Kesler started painting stars on his grass and even carved an eagle into his front yard at his Edmond home. He told KOCO 5 that he just wants to share his pride in our country with his neighbors. "I kind of always am out in the yard working," Kesler said. "All the neighbors probably thought I was crazy with spray paint at nine o'clock at night." Stars and stripes usually go on the flag. But sometimes, they're also on lawns. "The kids and I, we got out there with permanent markers and traced it and they helped me cut it out," Kesler said. The Oklahoma City firefighter told KOCO 5 that the Fourth of July is his favorite holiday, so he's spreading some cheer with a Christmas-like display carved into his lawn.  

VIDEO: What began in the waning hours of July 5, 2023, carried over to the next morning – and days and days to come. A cargo ship packed with more than 1,000 vehicles burst into flames at Port Newark. Firefighters rushed on board, but two would never make it out alive. Augusto "Auggie" Acabou and Wayne Brooks Jr. both died battling the cargo ship fire. A lengthy investigation revealed the fire aboard the Grimaldi Grande Costa d'Avorio originated from a Jeep Wrangler used by crew members to push other vehicles on board. As the beloved men were laid to rest, their loved ones grieved and pushed for answers. In the wake of the tragedy, lawsuits were filed, hearings were held and there was a determination to find out – why. Acabou and Brooks were both promoted to the rank of captain following the tragedy.  

PHOTOS: One of Travis's most well-known spots is Oceanic Hook & Ladder Co. No. 1, which has been serving the community for more than 143 years. "The Oceanic Hook & Ladder Company No. 1 of Travis, Staten Island, was established in 1881. At that time, the town was known as Linoleumville, home of the first linoleum factory in America. The Oceanic Hook & Ladder still occupies its historic fire station at 4010 Victory Boulevard," according to the Historic Richmond Town website. According to an article in the Advance/SILive.com, only 10 volunteer companies remain citywide with two of them on the Island: Oceanic Hook & Ladder Co. No. 1 and Richmond Engine Co 1. Originally known as the Travisville Fire Company, Oceanic Hook & Ladder Co. No. 1 started operating from a building on Meredith Avenue. In 1902, the original building was relocated to its current location on Victory Boulevard, where it continues to serve the community.  

VIDEO: Calallen grad Valerie Perez is a member of Corpus Christi Fire Station 7, but when she's not protecting the Coastal Bend she's putting out fires on the baseball diamond with the Firefighters. "Three years ago I think I picked up a baseball for the first time in 19 years," Perez said. "A ball competitively was about 10 years, so three years ago until now just between USA Baseball which opened the door to this kind of opportunity." A rare opportunity through Savannah Banana Ball that named Perez the first manager for the Firefighters baseball team."Firefighting also is what brought these two worlds together," Perez said. "I never would have guessed this is the place I'd be." The season started May 30, and since then Perez has knocked a base hit and even fielded a trick play.