A fire near the Panhandle town of Fritch destroyed 225 homes, leaving the town grappling with questions about its future. The town, which has 2,000 residents, was already reeling from years of drought and a declining population that has strained local resources. City officials predict that as many as half of the residents who lost homes will not return.

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  Sam Jones' house, which overlooked a dry Lake Meredith, burned down in a fire last month.
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  Jones has taken up residence in his basement storm shelter, which lacks running water. He showers at a neighbor's house.
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  A row of charred pine trees is all that remains in Jones' yard.
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  The town is now grappling with questions about its future and how to provide aid to the hundreds of residents displaced by the fire.
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  At the same time, prosecutors are investigating former city officials for possible theft and misuse of funds, the local DA said.
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  Local residents said the town was in limbo because charity organizations have been able to provide immediate aid but not long-term assistance.
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  As many as half of the residents displaced by the fire may not return.
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  Josh Blythe and Madeline Lyckman lost their home outside Fritch.
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  Blythe and Lyckman are now living with Lyckman's parents. They hope to receive a donated mobile home from a family friend.
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  The fire destroyed more than 100 automobiles. The Texas Department of Transportation awarded $15,000 to Panhandle Community Services to help with car-pooling.