TUCSON, Ariz. – At approximately 2:25 a.m. on Dec. 4, a Border Patrol agent from the Sonoita Station was traveling to his assigned area when he noticed what appeared to be a travel trailer on fire near Sierra Vista, Arizona. When the agent arrived on scene, a concerned citizen and his teenage son also arrived to assist.
The agent instructed the teen to call 911 while he and the man banged on the trailer to wake potential occupants.
After no response, the agent attempted to remove a propane tank attached to the trailer. During this time, the father was able to open a rear side door and confirm no one was inside. Afterwards, the agent and father knocked on neighbors’ doors to warn them of a potential danger should the propane tank explode.
The Fry Fire Department arrived a few minutes later, extinguished the fire, and confirmed no one was in the trailer.
Border Patrol agents often shift from law enforcement to rescue mode in an instant. Working with local, state, federal, tribal agencies and community members greatly improves services and public safety.