The Duke fire consumed 45 properties, including 13 homes and 32 outbuildings.
ATASCOSA COUNTY, Texas — While the Duke Fire is now 100% contained, neighbors in Bexar and Atascosa counties are coming together to heal and rebuild.
“This fire just raged all over back there,” said Cathy Davis.
Strong winds and dry vegetation Tuesday served as the worst combination possible to transform embers into an all-out inferno. According to officials, the Duke Fire destroyed 45 properties, including 13 residential structures between Bexar and Atascosa Counties.
Davis and her son live along Big Leaf Road where flames over homes and other structures. They wasted no time getting out, travel trailer in tow, as the fire began ripping through the community.
“And there’s a little RV park about five miles away called David’s RV Park and she took us in gladly,” Davis said.
Davis admits she being worried most about her family of chickens and the eggs. Her home and entire property was left untouched by the fire. But now, Davis is focused on assisting residents who’ve been impacted.
“Give a hand, volunteer, give them some comfort if at all possible,” Davis said. “I am totally exhausted today physically, I think emotionally but we’re safe.”
Romanita Urdiales, who also lives just of Big Leaf Road, has been keeping busy making sure her fellow neighbors are doing okay, especially those who no longer have a home.
Jessica Guerra, her partner Jerry Brown and four kids are now living with other family since their home was among those leveled amid the chaos.
“I just tried, I tried to get that fire down I couldn’t. I just let the pets go just try to get them safe,” Brown said. “It is hard especially when you have all your loved ones stuff in there especially your kids. It hurts mans.”
“Scary, scary, scary,” Urdiales said. “I’ve been calling everybody. We know all these people for a long time. Jerry Brown and them. Hope to God that they get everything together.”
As of Wednesday afternoon, firefighters were canvassing properties in both counties, extinguishing hot spots and meeting with residents in need.