TUCSON, Ariz. – A Tucson Sector Border Patrol agent assigned to the Casa Grande Station alerted and evacuated residents caught in a house fire in Pisinimo, Arizona February 6.
Acting Supervisory Border Patrol Agent Thomas Gears was patrolling west of Sells when he observed flames blocking the main entryway of a home. Agent Gears notified station dispatch that he was responding to the scene, and requested that the local fire department be notified.
Agent Gears began knocking on the windows to alert occupants of the fire. A small child was passed through a window before remaining family members escaped to safety through various exits.
Local residents, along with Tohono O’odham Nation Rangers, and nearby Border Patrol agents, worked together to quell the fire. Tohono O’odham Nation firefighters arrived to finish extinguishing the flames. There was no structural damage to the primary residence.
All occupants made it out of the house safely, with the only reported injury being a minor burn sustained by Agent Gears, who was treated on scene by responding firefighters.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials welcome assistance from the community. Citizens can report suspicious activity to the Border Patrol and remain anonymous by calling 1-877-872-7435 toll free.