KERRVILLE, Texas — A woman who saw smoke on Meadow View Lane and called the fire department for help didn't stop there Thursday morning.
Fire victim Matthew Crenwelge said the good Samaritan barged into his Kerrville home while she was on the phone with dispatchers and yelled, "Oh my God there's someone in the house!' and then she started yelling at my wife 'Ma'am your house is on fire! Your house is on fire!'"
Angelica Crenwelge said when she responded to the woman, she found flames shooting from the attic of her home so she grabbed a few essentials and ran to safety.
"We sat here and watched it burn for a few minutes and then the fire department got it under control after about two rooms or so where completely gone," Matthew said.
Matthew added even though the home looks unscathed from the outside, the damage is extensive.
"What wasn't damaged by fire was damaged by water and smoke. We are 30 hours in and it is still seeping water throughout the whole foundation," Matthew added.
The family said they will be staying in a hotel for a couple of nights but with eight children total, six of whom live with them, they will be actively looking for a better housing solution.
The children, four boys and four girls, range in age from six to 17 and Matthew said every family member lost a lot.
Angelica said in the process of putting out the attic fire, all the water caused ceiling collapses throughout the house, saturating almost all of their personal effects with foul smelling fire water.
Scrolling through messages on his phone, Matthew said he is overwhelmed by community support.
"200 message at least, and that was just yesterday and today and that doesn't surprise me. It's just friend after friend after friend," Matthew said.
The fire, they've been told, was most likely started by a squirrel that ate its way into the attic through a vent.
"And they think it bit the 220 and when it arced off the 220 it lit the attic on fire," Matthew said.
With regard to rebuilding, Angelica said their small business has been involved in many fundraisers for others over the years and it's overwhelming to now feel that support enveloping her family.
Matthew said every tradesman they know has reached out and offered to help.
"From demo to putting a roof back on it, hanging drywall and everything in between, every tradesman in town that we have been a part of, and them being part of us and our small business, they are responding," Matthew said.
The couple said many of the children have participated in team sports in local schools over the years and they're grateful the high school has launched a clothing drive.
Kerrville Tivy basketball coach Thirman Dimery circulated a letter among staff saying two of his players were hard hit.
Dimery wrote: "As a basketball family we are working to rally around their family."
Dimmery added they will be collecting items in a classroom at the school and hope to deliver items before the holiday break.
Nu Accents, a specialty boutique on Main Street is also collecting items for the family and has already made their first delivery.
Noting that the motto of the high school is "Tivy Fight Never Dies," Matthew said he's proud of community.
"Everybody has been beyond words. We are so grateful for everybody reaching out. Everybody!"
In a Facebook post, Angelica asked friends to give her kids extra hugs because they are very emotional and she wrote:
"I'm sorry we haven't been able to reply to everyone but we love y'all and keep the prayers coming."