Having previously worked as a Buda volunteer firefighter for eight years, Derick Mendoza’s instinct is to help others when danger looms.

When fire threatened his family’s and neighbors’ property, Mendoza didn’t hesitate to help.

Such was the story for many near Mathias Lane and Peaceful Valley Drive Monday as a grass fire scorched 150 acres Monday afternoon, as the close-knit group of neighbors rushed to aid each other during a time of need.

“This is a close community,...