• Sam Jones' house, which overlooked a dry Lake Meredith, burned down in a fire last month.

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

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

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

  • A row of charred pine trees is all that remains in Jones' yard.

    A row of charred pine trees is all that remains in Jones' yard. 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.

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

  • At the same time, prosecutors are investigating former city officials for possible theft and misuse of funds, the local DA said.

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

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

  • As many as half of the residents displaced by the fire may not return.

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

  • Josh Blythe and Madeline Lyckman lost their home outside Fritch.

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

  • Blythe and Lyckman are now living with Lyckman's parents. They hope to receive a donated mobile home from a family friend.

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

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

Get The Brief

Never miss a moment in Texas politics with our daily newsletter.

Support our nonprofit newsroom. Donate now.

Most Read