Willis Family Loses Home in Christmas Eve Fire
WILLIS, Texas – A Willis family’s home was destroyed in a fire just days before Christmas, leaving them displaced and heartbroken. Sherry Newman, her husband, and their three children were asleep when a fire erupted in their home on Christmas Eve. Her youngest son was the first to notice the blaze, awakening the family with cries of alarm. Their dog, Tank, also alerted them to the danger by barking frantically.
“We were sleeping, and I woke up to screaming,” Newman recounted. “My youngest son said he was hot. He just started screaming and he saw fire.” The house quickly filled with smoke, forcing the family to evacuate through the back door. Tragically, ten one-week-old puppies belonging to Tank perished in the fire.
Newman suspects a space heater used to keep the puppies warm may have been the cause. She believes the heater overheated due to clogged vents. “If you do use them,” she urged, “clean the AC window unit because apparently in the back there are vents on it, which I never knew. They need to be cleaned constantly because they do get dust. If you’re going to use it, clean it. Otherwise, it’s going to overheat and burn.”
While the family is receiving support from insurance and has secured temporary housing, the loss of their home of 21 years is devastating. “My kids grew up here, and there’s a lot of memories here,” Newman shared. “It just hurts that it’s gone.”
A GoFundMe page has been set up to assist the family in rebuilding their lives. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of space heater safety and regular maintenance.
About the Reporter:
Corley Peel is a Texas native and Texas Tech graduate who has covered major news stories in several states before returning to Texas. Her interests include hot yoga, Texas Tech football, and finding the best tacos.