SAN ANTONIO — When volunteers with the Bergheim Fire Department were called for a structure fire Thursday night, they reported seeing smoke on the horizon from a mile away.
They arrived to find a blazing inferno at a maintenance building at the Cordillera Ranch Golf Club.
"They arrived on scene to see the building completely engulfed, so they began a defensive attack," said Lt. Lucy Hudson, a Bergheim volunteer.
Hudson says her department is staffed 100% by volunteers. When they are put to the test fighting a big battle, she says, they're glad their training pays off.
"We are very proud of our volunteers that dedicate their extra time to this department and this community and to Kendall County," Hudson said.
They weren't in the fight alone. Hudson said they were backed up by every department in Kendall County, as well as some from adjoining areas.
"It was not solely a Bergheim effort. It was Boerne, Sisterdale, Bexar County ESD 4 and Bexar Bulverde," Hudson said, adding that they received additional support from Boerne police, the Kendall County Fire Marshal and rehab help from Kendall County EMS.
"This could not have been contained and handled without the help of everybody," she added.
One of the biggest challenges in the fight was not knowing what all was stored in the building.
"One of the biggest challenges was the combustibles. We had a heavy amount of fuel in there with all the heavy equipment that was in the main building," Hudson said. "You also have outbuildings that have fertilizer, and other chemicals that had they caught on fire they could have created explosions."
Marc DeWall, general manager at The Clubs of Cordillera Ranch, said he is grateful for the close relationship they have with firefighters.
"It was a fantastic response last night and we're just fortunate to have a great relationship with so many of the folks with the fire department," DeWall said, adding he's been a part of the operation since the beginning when Cordillera Ranch helped with the effort to establish a local fire department.
"It was so important that we had a volunteer fire department that was close. We could help get the sponsorships and found great support," DeWall said, adding "The ownership team, everyone understood the importance of the effort and this has been a godsend."
DeWall said while investigators work to find out what caused the devastating fire, it's noteworthy that there were no injuries and they are already on the way to recovery.
"We've had support from other courses and everyone wants to help, so it's been great to see it in action," DeWall said. "I've had lots of calls and texts so we will be back better and stronger."
Hudson said the effort to save several closely spaced structures started with Boerne PD dispatch workers, who were critical to making sure the right resources were available.
"The dispatch officers from Boerne PD go unnoticed a lot of times because they are behind the scenes but they are critical to us being able to respond and get resources and they did a fantastic job," Hudson said, adding as an all volunteer effort, they are always interested in finding new friends and resources.
"One-third of our funding comes from Kendall County and we have donors and grants," Hudson said, adding one important resource they always need is people willing to help.
"We do need youngsters," she continued. "This old gal has made plenty of brush fires and structure fires. We could use additional hands, additional young folks ready to go out and learn about the fire service."
Hudson said they have regular training sessions.
"We have a variety of scenarios. Structure fires. Hazmat. Brush fires. We also respond to medical emergencies," Hudson said.
More information about how to become involved or support Bergheim VFD can be found here.