Brothers die in Texas explosion as volunteer firefighters

A town copes with lives lost in Texas blast
By Todd Sperry and Ashley Fantz
CNN

STORY HIGHLIGHTS
A business that distributed fertilizer exploded in West, Texas, on Wednesday, killing 14
Volunteer firefighters were brothers who did everything together, family says
Some West students whose schools were damaged are taking classes in Waco

West, Texas (CNN) -- Since they were little boys growing up West, Texas, brothers Doug and Robert Snokhous did everything together. They fixed cars, went hunting, golfed and barbecued together. It just made sense that they would both become volunteer firefighters, and that they were side by side last Wednesday when they rushed to a fire at the West Fertilizer Co.

The brothers were among 14 people who died after the fire led to a massive explosion at the distributor. The blast decimated not only the company's building but ravaged practically the entire north side of the small farming community.

The nine first-responders from West who died battling the blaze represented nearly one-third of the town's volunteer firefighting and EMT force. The fire destroyed three fire trucks and an ambulance. Firefighters and trucks from neighboring communities now fill the void at the West firehouse.

Among the others who rushed to the fire and lost their lives: Kenneth "Luckey" Harris Jr., a 52-year-old Dallas firefighter who lives in West, and two friends of first responders whose identities have not been confirmed by authorities.
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