Gatesville Family Loses Home to Fire, Community Asked to Help

Shortly after 10 am on December 9, 2025, the Strong family’s home on Park Street in Gatesville caught fire, leaving them with nothing and forcing them into temporary hotel housing. The family’s insurance company said the fire began in a back room because of electrical issues and spread quickly to the room where their 7 month old daughter sleeps, completely burning that bedroom.

The immediate human consequence is acute. The baby, who is crawling and beginning to walk, now has far less space to move in the hotel room and her parents are juggling the loss of clothing and baby formula while paying for lodging. “They’re claiming that it’s something electrical,” said Justin Strong. “They ruled out all the other possibilities. So, they’re stuck on something either being plugged in or something of that nature. It’s electrical for sure.” He added, “She’s still trying to adapt to why she doesn’t have enough room to crawl around everywhere like she does.”

The family described the timing as especially difficult, noting the colder weather and the holiday season. “It’s just something unbelievable that you never think it’s going to happen to you,” said Judy Strong. “It’s pretty sad. Especially you know, at this time, Christmas and you know the cold and everything.” Justin Strong also said the family has essentially lost all of their possessions. “We could basically use any help that we can get man, as far as we have nothing,” he said.

For Coryell County residents, the case highlights the vulnerability of low inventory households to sudden shocks and the practical burdens of short term displacement. When families pay for hotel rooms out of pocket, local emergency shelters and social services can quickly become stretched, and immediate donations of clothing and infant formula can be the most effective aid while longer term recovery is arranged.

The Strong family has set up a GoFundMe to accept financial donations, and they say their most urgent needs are clothes and formula for their daughter while they rebuild. Community members who can help are asked to reach out through community channels or local service organizations to coordinate donations and support.