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A family in Rek Hill lost nearly all of their belongings in a house fire on Sunday.
A family in Rek Hill lost nearly all of their belongings in a house fire Sunday, Jan. 24. The fire started around 5 p.m. The home was located on SH 159.
According to Fayetteville Fire Chief Randy Noviskie, a man and a woman and the woman’s son lived at the residence. He said the son and his girlfriend were in the home when the fire started. They were able to escape without injury, he said.
Noviskie said the fire started from a burning candle that fell off a stand in a bedroom. The fire quickly consumed the older wood-frame house, Noviskie said.
“It’s just heartbreaking for this family,” Noviskie said. “Luckily, the kids got out.”
Two family pets perished in the fire. The family lost all of their clothes and personal belongings that were inside.
Fayetteville Volunteer Fire Department responded with 10 firefighters, two engines, a tanker and a brush truck. Noviskie called for mutual aid from Round Top-Warrenton and Ellinger Fire Departments. They sent another six firefighters, two tankers and a grass truck. The three departments battled the blaze for about two and a half hours before putting it out.
Fayette County EMS also responded, although there were no injuries. Two Fayette County Sheriff’s Deputies responded as well and assisted with traffic control.
The home was a total loss and it was not insured, Noviskie said.
“Hopefully this family can get back on their feet with some strong community support,” Noviskie said.
Family members have set up a GoFundMe page to collect donations for the couple and their son at https://gofund.me/edc0d03b. A benefit is also being planned. For more information, contact Stacia Hengst at (512) 788-1321 or Jeri Hrbacek at (979) 966-8372.
