Just Days Before Christmas, Dad of Five Loses Everything in Devastating Texas House Fire
(KWTX News10/Youtube)
A McGregor family is seeking help to rebuild their lives after losing everything in a devastating house fire just days before Christmas. The Jackson family home on South Main Street, where they had lived for five years, was deemed a total loss by the McGregor Volunteer Fire Department, which is still investigating the cause of the blaze.
Thankfully, there were no reported injuries, but the fire destroyed not only material possessions and Christmas gifts but also irreplaceable sentimental items. For Phillip Jackson, a single father raising five children, the loss has been particularly heartbreaking.
Seventeen-year-old Jay’Darious Turner recounted the terrifying moment he awoke to the smell of smoke Tuesday morning. “I run out of the room, and then the living room goes up into flames. Then, I get to run through the whole house looking for my siblings, trying to get everybody out the house and make sure they’re protected,” Turner said.
Turner’s fear turned to relief when he realized his siblings weren’t home. “Because that’s my world, they’re my backbone. They mean everything to me,” he added, told KWTX.
Marcus Booker, an employee at Southwest Standard Transmission located nearby, witnessed the flames and immediately sprang into action. He and his coworkers rushed into the burning home to help Turner. Tragically, while they were able to get Turner out safely, two small puppies succumbed to smoke inhalation.
“All I’m thinking is kids,” Booker said. “That’s the first instinct. I would think anybody who’s a good citizen, could help whether it’s risking their life or not. When it comes to kids, they don’t deserve anything like this.”
The community of McGregor has rallied around the Jackson family in their time of need. Booker noted the outpouring of support from school officials, city leaders, and strangers alike. “Just everybody, even random people passing by wanted to help. It made me proud to live here. We meshed really well, and everyone came with open arms,” he said.
Despite losing everything, Turner remains grateful for what truly matters. “I’m not really mad about anything. I’m just glad my family’s okay, I’m okay,” he said. “It could have been a day where it could’ve been my last day, and it wasn’t. That’s why I thank God so much and why I’m happy I’m standing here right now.”
The Jackson family is in need of clothing, shoes, and donations as they begin to rebuild. Those wishing to help can contribute to their GoFundMe page, providing much-needed relief as they start over.
