Fritch community comes together to support each other during fires

FRITCH, Texas (KFDA) - Some evacuation and donation sites have been set up for those wanting to help the victims of the wildfires across the area.

One of those areas is the Celebration Life Church in Fritch. A pastor of the church tells us what the community is doing for those citizens.

“Well, we’re blessed because we get to help the people, but it is hard because we do have people in our church and in our community that we know and are very dear to us affected by this. So we’re here to be that shoulder for them to cry on but we’re also here to be that voice to give them hope and encouragement,” said Courtney Kirkscy, a Pastor at Celebration Life Church.

A Fritch resident who has spent 40 years in his home witnessed the house across the street burn down. He and his family then pitched in by actively putting out small fires around the area.

“We were helping people put out fires and if they needed some shovels then we provided shovels for them and water hose and such. We try to help keep a building from burning down,” said Derrol Wells, a resident of Fritch.

The fire in Fritch has impacted many families, some who lost their homes.

One family said they lost four homes, multiple shops and cars in the fire.

They say the fire started on their property around 4 a.m. and they were just allowed back onto their property around 2 p.m. today.

Thankfully, the family was able to safely get away with their pets.

Paige traveled to the Briar and Blythe family property outside of Fritch where one of the four family properties was devastated by the Panhandle wildfires.

She spoke with the family earlier, who said they were grateful that they were able to get their family and pets to safety.

They say they still have some property that was not impacted by the fires and are grateful for those blessings.

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