The fire that destroyed the home at 1903 7th Street Monday night was caused by accident, according to Brownwood Fire Marshal Buddy Preston.
After firemen arrived late Tuesday morning to help cut away a collapsed ceiling, Preston was able to investigate the source of the fire that began in a back bedroom. Apparently something had spilled on a twin mattress earlier and it had been leaned against a wall to dry, according to one of the residents. It was determined by Preston that the mattress had fallen over, onto an open faced gas heater, and caught fire, which eventually spread throughout the entire house.
At the time of the fire, a young family including three kids and a cousin of the mother were living in the home. The father, Arthur Villareal, and the two youngest children ages 1 & 2 were at home with Javier Ramirez, who is the cousin of the mother of the children, Camille Barrera, when the fire started. Camille and her oldest child were at the store according to the family.
As the fire began, Arthur stated he noticed some smoke and got everyone out of the house. Camille and the oldest child arrived home as the fire was consuming the residence. She stated that she had grown up in the house.
“I grew up in this house,” stated Camille. “My childhood is in that house.”
The family lost most everything as the flames spread throughout the house, and what didn’t burn was heavily damaged by smoke.
The old house, built in approximately the 1930s, is owned by Camille’s parents, Jesus and Lupe Barrera. They had recently moved out of the house and also had belongings still in the house. Lupe stated the family has owned the house since 1983 or 1984. Lupe stated that her family has had many family members live with them throughout the years in the home and that they have had many gatherings over the years. Seeing the home burn Monday night saddened the family and caused them to recall many fond memories. Of course, the family’s main concern was that everyone got out safely. After Lupe and Jesus were told of the fire, she stated that she couldn’t get to her grandchildren quick enough.
Lupe explained that the house has a lot of history with previous residents such as Judge James G. Bunnell before he was killed, a retired Howard Payne Professor, Mr. Huff, and Joe Dan Weedon.
The family does have insurance on the house; however, immediate needs of Arthur and Camille’s family and Javier have been met by the Red Cross along with many other donations from the community.
“We are just getting overwhelming response from the neighbors, the neighbors were amazing” said Lupe.
She stated that one neighbor offered the restroom in their home and brought coffee out to the family and firefighters, another neighbor opened their home to the family for warmth, and another came to make sure Lupe’s mother as well as the family dog were out of the small apartment behind the home during the fire and took them to her house for warmth. Lupe also stated that a random man, who isn’t from the Brownwood area, came to the house with fried chicken for the family when he heard what happened.
Many businesses are getting fundraisers organized for the family as well. Lupe stated that Chili’s will be doing a “Chili’s Gives Back Fundraiser” this week, a Zumba event will be held at TK Fitness, and an Herbalife fundraiser will be held at the Boys and Girls Club soon according to Lupe.
Donations are being received at a relative’s home at 1611 2nd Street in Brownwood.
Pictured above is the burned home on Tuesday morning. Below are more photos of the damage.
View from the exterior of the room where the fire began.
Firefighters use a chainsaw to remove the collapsed roof from the bedroom where the fire originated.
Homeowners view the damage while speaking with Fire Marshal Buddy Preston Tuesday morning.
View of damaged living room: Water used to extinguish the fire in subfreezing weather Monday night formed icicles which still hung from the ceiling fan Tuesday morning.
