As the Grimes County fire finally dies out, residents are left with its aftermath.

According to the Texas Forest Service (TFS), the fire destroyed 30 homes and 3 businesses. The fire, which began on June 19, burned 5,280 acres forcing more then 1,000 homes and businesses to be evacuated. Residents were able to return home on June 23, as the fire was 95 percent contained.

When Kathy Lyon and her husband returned to their home with their 10 children, they were one of the families to find their house completely destroyed.

Lyon said the family was at church for Father’s Day. Upon leaving church they were told they could not go home. The family stayed with friends and family until they received further news.

When all Grimes County residents were able to return, Lyon said they discovered that all 20 acres of their property had burned.

“20 acres, all gone,” she said.

The Lyon family had moved to their home on County Road 304 three years ago. Lyon said her oldest sons and her husband spent a year building a small cabin for the family to move into. While living in the cabin the family was making plans to build a larger home on the property.

Lyon added that she had been preparing the children for any potential fires in the area.

“We’ve done a run through with the kids. We had plans,” Lyon explained, “One child would grab our computers, bibles and school books, another child would grab children and the oldest boy would load the travel trailer.”

She said she feels a loss, but she isn’t devastated because the community has “stepped up” and helped the family.

“The community really has helped,” she said. “These things bring out the best and worst in people.”

Another resident, Jody Mitchel experienced the wildfire from a different perspective.

Mitchel said the fire was 20 feet from her home.

“I could see flames 50 feet above me. There was this rolling roar,” she explained. “Everything was yellow and orange. You could literally feel the heat.”

However, Mitchel’s home was saved. She said two fire trucks rushed in and began fighting the blaze. Mitchel’s husband, Robert told her to leave and he stayed to help contain the fire.

When Mitchel returned home, she said all the trees on their 11 acres were burned, but there was no damage to their home.

“We owe it all to the people who gave themselves,” she said.

As of June 28, TFS no longer listed the wildfire as active, giving firefighters a break. Now local organizations are lending a hand.

Many organizations in Magnolia, Navasota and Plantersville have stepped in to help with the aftermath. The Society of Samaritans (SOS) has set up a donation center for home furnishings, clean-up supplies, clothes and food. Special Projects Coordinator Lynette Gibbons said the donation center has received an abundance of donations through the help the community along with Missions on Wheels, Open Table Ministries, Magnolia Bible Church, First Baptist Church of Magnolia and Woodmen of the World.

“We just made ourselves available, God provided the building and the community filled it up,” Gibbons said. “It is a blessing to be involved.”

The American Red Cross has set up a location in Navasota to assist families in need.

“It is awesome how everyone is really helping,” Lyon said.

SOS is assisting fire victims at its relief center located at 38207 FM 1774. The center is open from noon to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Gibbons said some victims just have smoke damage or partial damage, but the organization aims to help all victims.

In addition, the SOS Food Pantry will offer food on a weekly basis to those fire victims who have lost everything.

For more information about the SOS Relief Center, call 281-840-1300. For more information about the SOS Food Pantry, call 281-259-8452.

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