[2] Their names are engraved at the firefighters' memorial on the grounds of the Texas state capitol.
The vapors ignited, probably near an asphalt plant and travelled back toward the tank.
There the flames consumed the escaping vapors, forcing firefighters to use water to cool nearby tanks to prevent further spread.
The volunteer fire crews from nearby Sunray and Dumas were fighting the fire in a conventional manner while the decision was made to reduce the amount of liquid in the burning tank.
[4] Sixteen firefighters died at the scene; three more perished later succumbing to burns.