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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

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

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