A McGregor family is looking for help to rebuild their lives after losing everything in a devastating house fire just days before Christmas. The Jackson family home on South Main Street, where they had lived for five years, was considered a total loss by the McGregor Volunteer Fire Department, which is still investigating the cause of the fire.
Fortunately, no injuries were reported, but the fire destroyed not only material possessions and Christmas gifts, but also irreplaceable sentimental items. For Phillip Jackson, a single father raising five children, the loss has been particularly heartbreaking.
Seventeen-year-old Jay’Darious Turner recounted the terrifying moment he woke up to the smell of smoke on Tuesday morning. “I run out of the room and then the living room catches fire. “Then I run around the house looking for my siblings, trying to get everyone out of the house and make sure they are protected.” Turner said.
Turner’s fear turned to relief when he realized his brothers were not home. “Because that is my world, they are my backbone. “They mean everything to me,” he added, telling KWTX.
Marcus Booker, a Southwest Standard Transmission employee located nearby, witnessed the flames and immediately took action. He and his co-workers ran into the burning house to help Turner. Tragically, although they were able to get Turner out safely, two small puppies succumbed to smoke inhalation.
“All I’m thinking about is kids,” Booker said. “That’s the first instinct. I think anyone who is a good citizen could help, whether risking their life or not. “When it comes to children, they don’t deserve something like that.”
The McGregor community has rallied around the Jackson family in their time of need. Booker noted the outpouring of support from school officials, city leaders and strangers alike. “Just everyone, even random people passing by, wanted to help. I was proud to live here. “We got along very well and everyone came with open arms,” he said.
Despite losing everything, Turner remains grateful for what really matters. “I’m not really angry about anything. “I’m glad my family is fine, I’m fine,” he said. “It could have been a day that could have been my last day, and it wasn’t. That’s why I thank God so much and I’m happy to be here right now.”
The Jackson family is in need of clothing, shoes and donations as they begin rebuilding. Those who wish to help can contribute to their GoFundMe pageproviding much needed relief as they start again.