A Central Texas community is coming together to help a fire chief and his wife who lost their home in a fire on Sunday.
The Mart Volunteer Fire Department received the call just before 8 a.m. and responded to the 700 block of Calvery Eskew Road.
As fire units were arriving, they learned it was Mart Fire Chief Jerry “Bud” Pavelka and his wife Barbara’s home. When units arrived, about 50 percent of the house was engulfed in flames.
Two family pets died in the fire.
Pavelka has been with Mart Volunteer Fire Department for 35 years. The home he lost was his childhood home. Pavelka said he and his wife plan to rebuild on the same spot once they're able to do so.
Pavelka and his wife are staying with friends while they wait to hear back from their insurance company.
The Mart community is collecting donations for the family. A Facebook post said everything was lost in the fire.
“Any donations you may have or want to furnish them during this time would be extremely appreciated right now… as everything… everything has been lost,” a Facebook post said.
Mart Police Chief Paul Cardenas said the cause of the fire is still under investigation, but preliminary reports indicate the fire started with either a light bulb or floor heater located near the residence.
He said Mart Mayor Len Williams, 100 Club of Heart of Texas and the Mart Police Department are coordinating efforts to assist the family with the loss of their home during the holiday season.
To make a donation, you can visit their GoFundMe page.
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