Wichita County Deputy’s Family Left Homeless After House Fire

The family lost everything in the blaze, which left their home severely damaged.

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

A Wichita County deputy and his family are without a home after a fire destroyed their residence, leaving them with only the clothes they were wearing. The fire caused severe damage to the front porch and kitchen area of the single-story home, and the cause remains under investigation by the fire marshal’s office. The family is now relying on community support through a GoFundMe page as they work to rebuild their lives.

Why it matters

House fires can be devastating, especially for public servants like this deputy who dedicate their lives to serving the community. The loss of a home and all personal belongings can leave families in a precarious financial and emotional situation, highlighting the importance of community support during such difficult times.

The details

According to the Wichita Falls Fire Department, crews responded just after 11 a.m. on January 6 to a house fire in the 4600 block of Tammy Drive. When firefighters arrived, they found heavy flames coming from the front of the single-story home. The fire was brought under control in about 10 minutes, but the home suffered severe damage to the front porch and kitchen area.

  • The fire occurred on January 6, 2026.
  • Firefighters responded just after 11 a.m. that day.

The players

Matthew Fortunas

A Wichita County deputy whose family lost their home in the fire.

Wichita Falls Fire Department

The fire department that responded to the blaze and brought it under control.

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What’s next

A list of the family’s most immediate needs is still being gathered and will be shared on the Wichita County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page once it’s complete.

The takeaway

This tragic incident highlights the importance of community support for public servants and their families during times of crisis. The deputy’s family is now facing the daunting task of rebuilding their lives, and the outpouring of support from the local community will be crucial in helping them get back on their feet.