AXTELL, Texas — A Waco firefighter was on duty Tuesday night when he got the call that his own house was on fire.
Jared Pankonien rushed home to find his wife and three young children and pets were okay, but his home was gone.
In a Facebook post, the Waco FD posted a Venmo QR code for those who want to help the family.
The family declined to speak on the matter, butt Philip Burnett, president of the local-478 Waco firefighters, spoke on their behalf.
"He was able to get home his wife and kids and animals all made it out safe. But the house was a total loss," Butler said of his long-time family friends.
The house had nothing left. Anything that was left out prior to the fire lay on the ground burnt, some things looking almost unrecognizable in the rubble.
Burnett told me as a firefighter the last thing you expect after dealing with people in the community is that something disastrous would happen to you.
"We deal with a lot of people, a lot of citizens on their worst day when it happens to them. And just like anybody else, we're all human," Burnett said. "We look at it and say, well, it's never going to happen to us."
Unfortunately for the Pankonien's that nightmare came true. Burnett told 6 News they do have hopes to rebuild. Burnett says they are a family that loves to give. Jared's wife works for Texas Home Health serving the community as well.
In his 20 years, Burnett said his family and the Pankonien family have become very close. He told 6 News Jared's kids are like his own. That's part of the reason why this fire hurts him too.
"He's been here for 20 years and he's been a friend for over 20 to me. So my heart goes out to him and his family," Burnett told 6 News. "Just like anyone else that's wearing this patch, I would do anything for him any day, and I know he would do that for those around him as well."
Now, in the aftermath of a fire that took everything, the Pankonein's will need the community's help to rebuild.
"If you would like to contribute to the Pankonien Family and their road to rebuilding for their family of five, it would be a blessing and greatly appreciated!," said the Waco FD.
Stay with 6 News as this story develops.
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