(Editors note, much of the information in this article was taken from an article by April Avison of the Bryan/College Station Eagle newspaper)

Bryan Assistant Fire Chief Ricky Van had a significant fire in his home which also killed his family dog, Riley, a miniature Dachshund in early August. Bryan and mutual aid firefighters were able to extinguish the blaze before it destroyed the house, but damage was described as extensive. Van, his wife and their two daughters and son have lived for 10 years.

The fire occurred at around 4 p.m. announcing that the home at 2813 Cherry Creek Circle in the City of Bryan. Luckily no one was at home at the time of the blaze and there were no inures reported to firefighters. Chief Van has with BFD for over twenty-six years and was promoted to Assistant Chief in 2001.

Bryan Fire Chief Mike Donoho said the blaze began in a closet below the attic of the home, which is off Briarcrest Drive near Earl Rudder Freeway. At the time of the fire the Chief stated that the cause of the fire is "possibly electrical,"

"They're all shook up, but they're a strong family," Donoho said of the Vans. "They've got family here in town, and they've got us. We take care of one another. Everybody has been out here today - guys that are off duty, guys that have been with the fire department for only two months. One guy came by with a construction crew and offered to board up the windows". Over all Chief Donoho summed it up this way "Our support system is outstanding."