Home lost in blaze

PHOTO BY DAVID LOWE A fire at CR 3430 claimed a double-wide mobile home. The blaze started in a hot tub in the back of the home. The family lost all of their possessions. A fire Tuesday afternoon destroyed a double-wide mobile home northeast of town.

The blaze was reported at 2:24 p.m. at 3196 County Road 3430 at the home of Randy and Stacie Fesler, Lampasas County Fire Marshal Gene Harrison said.

The fire started in a hot tub at the back of the home, Harrison said. The tub's motor froze, but the heating element stayed on, causing the fiberglass of the hot tub to catch fire. The fire spread to the wood surround of the hot tub before igniting the back of the house and then traveling up the wall and into the attic.

Strong winds and paper insulation that smoldered fueled the fire, the fire marshal said.

Fire officials returned to the scene for a rekindle Tuesday night and again Wednesday morning.

The 2008 Palm Harbor home was a total loss, said Harrison. The Red Cross was called to the scene to assist the family.

Family friends who were home at the time of the blaze saw the smoke and called 911, Harrison said. No injuries were reported.

In addition to the Lampasas Fire Department, assistance was provided by the Kempner Volunteer Fire Department, Deputy Greg Chapman of the Lampasas County Sheriff's Department and Lampasas Police Department officials who transported air packs to firefighters on the scene.

Mrs. Fesler's sister, Melanie Murdoch, was en route Wednesday from a yearlong tour in Iraq, a spokesperson at Grace Fellowship said. She was to join her three children who were staying at the residence. The Feslers have two children, ages 9 and 7; Ms. Murdoch, three children, ages 13, 11 and 5.

A request for gift cards from stores in the area was being made to help the families supply their basic needs, the church spokesperson said.

Cards can be brought to Grace Fellowship or preferably be mailed directly to Mr. Fesler's parents at the following address: Bill and Theresa Fesler, 3196 CR 3430, Lampasas, TX 76550.

Said the church spokesperson: "The Fesler family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks for the outpouring of support they are receiving and love they are being shown at this time."