Shallowater volunteer firefighters were called to the 700 block of 16th Street just after 11 a.m. Wednesday. A duplex was reported to be on fire.
A family of nine – eight kids and their father – lived in one of the homes. Brandon Rader, the father of the children, said only his 12-year-old son was home at the time when the fire started.
“He saw shadows in the backyard and opened the back door, and it progressed from there. He alerted everyone and told the whole neighborhood,” Brandon said.
His son, Aidan Rader, said he ran to his grandma’s house next door once he saw the flames.
“I was thinking, ‘Maybe I’ll pour these jugs of water on it to get it out’ or ‘maybe go let the authorities know.’ But I freaked out, so I just ran because I was sure what else to do,” Aidan said.
Fire crews said once the fire reached the attic, it spread to both homes in the duplex. It is unclear how many people were affected on the other side of the duplex.
Fire crews said the Red Cross has stepped in to help both families.
A friend of the family of nine started a GoFundMe to help them get back on their feet. If you would like to donate, click HERE.
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