Edinburg FD battle two large fires, investigation underway

EDINBURG, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Edinburg Fire Department is investigating two large fires that occurred on Saturday.

Edinburg firefighters responded to the first fire that occurred north of Edinburg on Red Gate Road.

According to officials, the fire involved three abandoned structures located directly off southbound Frontage Road.

The fire was extinguished with the help of several agencies including Pharr, Edcouch, San Manuel and McAllen Fire Departments.

Fire crews responded to a second fire located South of FM 490 between the airport and the racetrack.

City officials say the fire traveled toward the racetrack, but fire crews were able to extinguish it before any structures were damaged.

The fire damaged approximately 20 acres of grass and heavy brush. Officials say, illegally dumped tires took the longest to extinguish.

Pharr, Edcouch, San Manuel and McAllen Fire Departments assisted Edinburg FD in the second fire. Over 50 firefighters and eight heavy equipment operators from Public Works were at the scene.

Officials say fire crews were at the scene for eight hours.

The Hidalgo County Fire Marshal's Office is investigating both fires.