At approximately 00:45hrs units were dispatched  to the 330 block of FM442 in Boling, Texas to assist the Wharton Fire Department with a commercial structure fire at Maxim Egg Co. with a report of fire fighters trapped. Responding along with Missouri City Fire & Rescue Department Engine 31 (OIC Scott) and Battalion 31 (Braswell), Quint 22 (OIC M. RIcks) and Car #1 (Di Camillo) arrived at the location approximately an hour after dispatch.

Upon arrival confirmation was given of 1 fire fighter still unaccounted for inside of the vast commercial structure with instructions given to Quint 22 to perform a recon of the western portion of the complex to determine the extent of fire spread. With limited visibility on the fire ground due to dense, low lying smoke crews determined a position for attack to attempt to limit fire spread into the uninvolved portions. Given the lack of hydrants in the area, all fire fighting efforts were done using tanker shuttles to supply 2 ladder towers and 2 handlines through loading dock bay doors. With operations on the fire ground entering their 10th hour over 150 fire fighters from over 30 fire departments in 5 counties operated on the fire ground.

Sadly during the course of this fire Wharton Fire Department Captain Thomas Araguz III and his crew became trapped inside the structure, While other personnel were able to breach a wall and locate and extricate his crew, sadly personnel were unable to reach Captain Araguz due to extreme heat and zero visibility. 

The officers and members of the Stafford Fire Department extend our condolences to the family of Captain Araguz as well as the officers and members of the Wharton Fire Department for their tragic loss.

Please keep Captain Araguz, his family and the Wharton Fire Department in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.