By CHRISTIN COYNE
RENO – The City of Reno is collecting donations to help out a family of seven who lost their home and possessions in devastating fire last month.
The fire occurred the evening of Feb. 1 off Newsom Road in Reno. The double-wide mobile home was destroyed despite efforts from Reno VFD, ESD No. 1, Azle, Briar and Pelican Bay fire departments.
Parker County Fire Marshal Shawn Scott said the father was at work when the family started smelling the fire. The mother was able to get all five young children out of the house in time, according to Scott.
Though firefighters arrived quickly, the house was well-involved by the time they got there and was a total loss, Scott said.
Scott said he believed the fire was started in the area of a power strip in the 14-year-old’s bedroom.
The family is currently staying with relatives, according to the city.
Though the family had mortgage insurance, it did not cover the cost of replacing their home or possessions.
They are in need of clothing for the children, furniture, children’s toys, appliances and monetary donations.
The city has already received a few donations of toys and other items, city secretary Tiffany Ludwig said.
Reno has offered to store any furniture donated until they have a home to put it in and can collect larger items with a trailer.
Donations can be dropped by city hall during normal business hours or sent to city hall at 195 W. Reno Road, Azle, TX 76020. Checks should be made payable to the “City of Reno” and a receipt will be provided for all donations.
Donations are unlikely to be tax deductible because the city is not a registered non-profit, according to the city.
Those with questions can contact city hall at 817-221-2500.
Clothing sizes for the children:
• Haley, a 14-year-old girl, wears an adult extra small in juniors sizes and a five to six in shoes.
• Ryan, a 12-year-old boy, wears a size 14 in children’s clothes and size six in shoes.
• Corbin, a 6-year-old boy, wears a size five in toddler clothing and a shoe size 12.
• Christian, a 5-year-old boy, wears a size four in toddler clothing and a shoe size 11.
• Cayden, a 1-year-old boy, wears 6-to-9-month-old clothing.
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