Skip to main content

Slideshow: Fritch Residents Pick Up the Pieces After Fire

A fire near the Panhandle town of Fritch destroyed 225 homes, leaving the town grappling with questions about its future.

By Todd Wiseman and Edgar Walters

June 20, 20146 AM Central

Sam Jones' house, which overlooked a dry Lake Meredith, burned down in a fire last month. — Credit: Jerod Foster

Jones has taken up residence in his basement storm shelter, which lacks running water. He showers at a neighbor's house. — Credit: Jerod Foster

A row of charred pine trees is all that remains in Jones' yard. — Credit: Jerod Foster

The town is now grappling with questions about its future and how to provide aid to the hundreds of residents displaced by the fire. — Credit: Jerod Foster

At the same time, prosecutors are investigating former city officials for possible theft and misuse of funds, the local DA said. — Credit: Jerod Foster

Local residents said the town was in limbo because charity organizations have been able to provide immediate aid but not long-term assistance. — Credit: Jerod Foster

As many as half of the residents displaced by the fire may not return. — Credit: Jerod Foster

Josh Blythe and Madeline Lyckman lost their home outside Fritch. — Credit: Jerod Foster

Blythe and Lyckman are now living with Lyckman's parents. They hope to receive a donated mobile home from a family friend. — Credit: Jerod Foster

The fire destroyed more than 100 automobiles. The Texas Department of Transportation awarded $15,000 to Panhandle Community Services to help with car-pooling. — Credit: Jerod Foster

Learn about The Texas Tribune’s policies, including our partnership with The Trust Project to increase transparency in news.