Misty Blackwell, a stay at home mother, of Tennyson Texas, got up at 5 a.m. yesterday morning to change the laundry before she woke her children for school. Her husband Tony, who works as a truck driver hauling cattle, and two children Cheyenne, 8, and Bransen, 13, students at Bronte ISD, were still sleeping. Misty decided to go lay down for just a few more minutes when she heard a loud "pop." She went back into the kitchen to see what the noise was and found water all over the floor. The family had just enough time to run from the home as flames erupted from that area. The smoke was unbearable.
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"Tony ran back into the house to get our pets, but the smoke was too much," said Misty.
Fortunately, the Blackwell family and their pets made it out unharmed but mentally devastated. There was literally nothing they could do as they helplessly watched the firefighters battle the blaze and years of hopes, memories, and belongings were turned to ashes in just a few moments.
"We love Tennyson and have lived here four years," Misty said. "We were wanting to buy the house on Mule Creek Road, but never had the means to. The people we rent from have been so kind and helpful. I just don't know what we're gonna do."
Bill Torres, Bronte Volunteer Fire Department Chief, confirmed on Tuesday that the call for service came in around 5 a.m. on Monday morning. They are approximately 11 miles to the location and worked in conjunction with the Robert Lee Volunteer Fire Department on extinguishing the fire.
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"Upon arrival, the structure was already engulfed on the inside and they were unable to save it," said Chief Torres. "It took approximately four hours to control it, as it had spread to surrounding grassy and wooded areas; fortunately, no one was hurt," he added. "The actual cause is pending but possibly due to electrical issues. Our prayers go out to the family and we would like to encourage the public in helping this family as it was a total loss."
Misty said she and her husband have always been self sufficient and independent, and they hate to ask for help, but they don't know what else to do, as everything is gone. Misty has a respiratory condition, and a few years ago, someone gave her a CPAP breathing machine to assist her. That is a loss as well.
"The Red Cross showed up and was so kind as to give us a voucher card so we could get a hotel, but then I'm not sure what we will do after that," said Misty. We didn't have any renters insurance, and I'm not sure if the owners had insurance either as it was a really old house. We need everything from clothing to toothbrushes to hygienes, and more."
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Since the fire took place, many people have started coming forward to help, including San Angeloans.
Tammy Esensee, office administrator at Concho Business Solutions located at 3302 Foster Street in San Angelo, said, "Donations can be dropped off with us until 5 p.m. weekdays."
Tammy and Misty consider each other sisters, and Tammy has been posting on Facebook non-stop as to what has occurred, asking if anyone could help. Any help at all would be appreciated, Tammy said. Thus far, many people are sending prayers and condolences and this story has resonated with many people on how tragedy could befall anyone at anytime. The Blackwell family wanted to make sure their landlord, and especially the first respondents, fire fighters, and Red Cross, know how greatly they are appreciated.
Chief Torres said he was "grateful for the EMS, community, and Red Cross's assistance, and they are greatly appreciated."
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At this time, items needed include, but are not limited to the following:
Clothing: Mens size: XL shirts and 38"X32" pants
Women's size: 3X shirt and women's 24 pants
Girls size: 12/14 (or youth large) and size 12/14 jeans
Boys size: 30"x30" jeans and Adult Medium shirts
"The kids also lost all their toys in the fire," wrote Misty Martinez of San Angelo. "They are having to start all over again, so anything from toiletries , towels, household items, schools supplies etc. [will help.]" She also posted on Facebook: "Prayers for my longtime best friend and her family. Their house and everything in it just burned down this morning. Thankfully, everyone got out safely. They are overwhelmed, lost, but no one was hurt."
San Angelo and the surrounding areas have always been extremely generous when it comes to tragedies such as this, so if anyone would like to help in any way, please contact Misty Blackwell at (325)473-1621, Tammy at (325) 812-4508, or Misty Martinez at (325) 716-3586.
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