SPARKS, Texas -- A fire that started as a pallet fire spread to two trailer homes in Sparks Tuesday afternoon. Horizon Fire Department officials determined that the fire broke out when a fire pit where the residents were burning trash was left unprotected. There were pallets nearby and they caught on fire.

Horizon and Socorro fire crews battled the blaze on the 13000 block of Bret Harte Drive that spread quickly to two nearby mobile homes, said spokesman Deputy Jesse Tovar.

Despite firefighter efforts the homes were destroyed. The fire started around 12:30 p.m. and 30 minutes later, fire crews were still fighting to contain it.

The fire caused several explosions. Horizon Fire officials say they believed the explosions were caused by propane tanks.

Some students stopped to help.

"We were going to school. We saw the smoke and we thought it was a friend's house. We came and started helping the lady. Helped her take out the stuff. We were just outside in the lot. It was pretty hot," said Luis Gomez.

Some of the occupants were home at the time of the fire but were able to get out safely.

The Sheriff's spokesperson said there were no injuries reported.