A Christmas tree may be to blame for a Christmas Eve house fire in Irving that forced a family of six to find somewhere else to stay during the holiday.
It happened Sunday night at a two-story home in the 900 block of Rindie Street.
Alexis Castillo says he thought it was a joke, at first, when he received a call telling him the home where he, his three brothers, and parents live was on fire.
"It's unexpected what happened," said Castillo, who said the family was visiting relatives at the time of the fire. "You never go out and when you come back, you think it's going to be on fire."
Irving firefighters returned to the house Christmas morning, touched by what the family has endured.
Two weeks ago, Castillo said his grandmother died at the home, after battling cancer and diabetes. The family dog also died in the fire, a buddy to the youngest sibling.
"I was happy no one was in there except my dog," said six-year-old Miguel Castillo. "I loved him so much."
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Firefighters brought toys for the boy, and took up a small collection for the family.
"One of the things you learn in this job is you're reminded every day of how blessed you are," said Irving firefighter Sha Clayton. "When everyone else is celebrating, this family is trying to get through it."
As a family, the Castillos said they will get through it. Thankful it wasn't worse.
"I mean, life goes on," said Alexis Castillo. "Just have to keep our heads up and support our family."
The fire, which firefighters believe started at the Christmas tree in the living room, caused extensive damage to the first floor of the home.
Fire investigators will determine the exact cause of the fire.
