Mayday Monday: Lessons from the 2019 Atascosa Fire

Mayday Monday: Lessons from the 2019 Atascocita (TX) Fire Department

Mayday Monday returns for October as Chief Mike Mulligan, Brian Morgan, and Battalion Chief David Roark of the Atascocita (TX) Fire Department recount a harrowing commercial fire they faced in 2019. The incident reinforced how familiarity, communication gaps, and residential firefighting tactics can create dangerous complications during commercial fires. Despite the tough conditions and limited visibility, the firefighters navigated an 8,000-square-foot bar, ultimately issuing a Mayday when running low on hose and air. Miscommunicated building designations combined with a delayed Mayday response revealed key lessons in command responsibility and standard operating procedures. The department has since adjusted tactics—heavier initial response, larger hoselines, consistent building orientation, and enhanced rigorous training to prepare crews and officers for high-risk scenarios. This conversation offers a transparent look at handling complex commercial fires and the need for ongoing training, situational awareness, and teamwork in the face of adversity.