POTTER COUNTY -- UPDATE 2:40 p.m.
21,310 total acres burned in Potter County, according to a representative of the Texas Forest Service. So far we know at least 29 homes were lost, but that number could rise as officials map out the damage and get a more accurate account.
Previously posted
Residents in Potter County are now allowed back into their homes. They needed a sticker placed on their car to get into the neighborhood so they can assess damages.
The fire burned some homes to the ground and then went around others, not even burning the front yard. Homeowners said the worst part was the 24 hours between when the fire started and when they were let back into their homes because many didn't know if they would have homes to come back too.
"It was agonizing waiting to find out whether you had a home," said Peggy Morales, a Mesilla park resident. While the Willow Creek fire was burning, Peggy Morales and her husband along with her daughter were waiting at an under-pass watching the flames get closer.
She said, "We could see everything, the fire, the wind, the smoke just roaming, then taking off." Then, at one Monday morning, her son-in-law looked through binoculars to see the fire destroyed their home.
"My son-in-law could see the house where my husband's shop burned down and the chimney was the only thing standing." All their belonging gone, the place where they made memories, like watching their grandkids grow up, were destroyed.
"Everything's gone. All the baby pictures, the graduation pictures, our parrot, the kid's parrot, and our cat, didn't make it out." Officials realize they're dealing with neighbors who have seen everything go up in smoke. "The determination of our guys to go out there and help these home owners... so I mean we are trying our best to help you guys out. I know you're out of a home, and that's tough, but this is determination that we have not only from our fire department, but our department out there is trying to make it as safe as possible for you guys," said Brian Thomas, the Potter County Sheriff.
Now these homeowners, along with many others, have to pick up the pieces. "What can you do, pick yourself up and go on. You have to be glad you have your family"
If you want to help your neighbors that have been affected by these fires, ProNews7 has teamed up with Toot'n Totum to make donating to the cause convenient. Any of the 62 Toot'n Totum locations will take your donations, just let the clerk know you want to donate. The money will help people who have lost so much, get back on their feet.
