Single Dad of Five Loses Everything in Texas House Fire Just a Week Before Christmas

McGregor Volunteer Fire Department/Facebook

A small Texas community is coming together just a week before Christmas to help one of their own. A single father of five, Phillip Jackson, lost everything in a house fire in the town of McGregor, on December 17, 2024. The family had lived in the home for about five years, and the McGregor Volunteer Fire Department deemed it a total loss. Now loved ones are coming together to help Jackson and his kids recover.

Jackson is heartbroken and wondering how he will ever recover from such a devastating loss, KWTX reported.

A teenager noticed the house fire.

Jay’Darious Turner, 17, told KWTX he started to smell smoke and knew something was terribly wrong. “I run out the room and then the living room goes up into flames. Then, I get to running through the whole house looking for my siblings trying to get everybody out the house and make sure they’re protected,” he said.

Turner realized no one else was home.

He told KWTX he felt intense relief when he realized he was home alone. “Because that’s my world, they’re my backbone. They mean everything to me,” said Turner.

The family lost all their belongings, including Christmas presents, but are tremendously thankful they still have each other.

A witness tried to help.

Marcus Booker, who works across the street from the family’s home, told KWTX he and others tried to help Turner rescue two small puppies, who died from smoke inhalation.

“All I’m thinking is kids. That’s the first instinct. I would think anybody that’s a good citizen, you could help whether it’s risking your life or not,” Booker explained.  “When it comes to kids, they don’t deserve anything. I was kind of scared, but I wasn’t in a way.”

Booker told KWTX that as word of the fire spread, the McGregor community came together to help. “Just everybody, it seemed like even random people just passing by were wanting to help. Something like that to happen for our town, we meshed really well, and everyone came with open arms,” he shared.

Community members jumped into action.

Olivia Wilson posted a call to action by asking for donations for the family. She wrote, “Hey everyone. There was a fire in McGregor today, and Philip, the manager of DQ, and his family were able to escape, but their house, pets, and Christmas presents have all been lost. Philip’s cash app is $Activated91.”

A GoFundMe account also has been established that has raised nearly $6,000 thus far.

Someone offered the family a place to stay, writing, “Have they found a place to stay? I may have some options.” Another person also wants to help and asked, “How do we get the stuff to them?”

Turner feels grateful.

He said he was sad but so thankful his family was OK. “I’m not really mad about anything. I’m just glad my family’s OK, I’m OK, because like I said, it could have been a day where it could’ve been my last day, and it wasn’t. That’s why I thank God so much and that’s why I’m happy I’m standing here right now,” he shared.