Erath County family loses everything in devastating fire that gutted home.
- 7 hours ago
- 2 min read
A family is lucky to be alive after a devastating fire ripped through their home located on US Hwy 281 in Erath County early Monday morning.
Brittany Williams, her wife Lee Ann and their 22-year-old son Merritt lived at the home, which was completely lost.
“I was at work when I got a call about midnight (Monday),” Brittany told Beneath the Surface News.
“By the time I got to the house, it was completely engulfed.”
Lee Ann, Merritt and the family’s three dogs all managed to escape, but the family lost everything.
Erath County Fire Marshall Tommy Shelton said the fire has been ruled accidental, started by a candle in the master bedroom.
Brittany grew up in Stephenville and works at Western Dairy Transport.
She is a former deputy with the Erath County Sheriff’s Office.
A gofundme account has been set up to help the family recover.
It states:
“On July 20th, our lives changed forever when our home was destroyed by a fire. We are beyond grateful that we made it out alive, but we lost absolutely everything we owned.
“To make an already heartbreaking situation even more difficult, my wife, Lee Ann, is currently in the hospital after suffering a seizure.
"All of our medications were destroyed in the fire, leaving us trying to replace essential prescriptions while also dealing with this devastating loss.
“Our family also includes Merritt, who is autistic and is trying to process the sudden loss of his home and everything familiar to him.
“We also have our three dogs with us, and we’re doing everything we can to keep them safe and cared for during this incredibly difficult time.
“We are starting completely over.
“The funds raised will help us with temporary housing, clothing, food, toiletries, medications, replacing essential household items, caring for our dogs, and the countless unexpected expenses that come with rebuilding our lives from nothing.
“If you are able to donate, no matter the amount, we would be incredibly grateful. If you’re unable to give, sharing this fundraiser with your friends and family would mean just as much.
“This has been the hardest experience our family has ever faced, and we cannot express how much your prayers, kindness, and support mean to us.
Thank you for helping us take the first steps toward rebuilding our lives.”
