SAN ANTONIO — A local mother says she feels “beyond blessed” after escaping a house fire Saturday morning with her husband, six children, and two dogs.
The fire broke out at the family’s home on Gibbs Street near Walters Street. Video captured by a neighbor showed flames engulfing the house as thick smoke rose into the sky.
Melony Salinas said the fire began while her husband was working on his car outside. Something sparked flames that quickly spread to the home.
“He just ran inside and was like, ‘Call the fire department and get all the kids out,’” Salinas said.
The family fled with only the clothes they were wearing, some without shoes. Once outside, Salinas realized her 5-year-old son was missing.
“We all went as like one unit and went to go find him because there’s like three rooms in the back and we were all looking for him,” she said. “We finally found him and we got him out.”
Moments later, the couple realized their two dogs were still inside. Salinas said her husband ran back into the burning home and rescued both dogs but collapsed from smoke inhalation.
“He just broke through that fire and just fainted, and all that smoke that he got inside of him, I guess it just made him faint,” she said. Neighbors dragged him to safety, and he was treated at a hospital and later released.
Although the family survived without serious injury, nearly all their belongings were destroyed by fire, smoke, and water damage. They are now without a home and in need of basic necessities.
“Clothes for the kids, furniture whenever we get there, wherever we’re going — basically everything. It’s like starting all over again,” Salinas said.
The family has set up a GoFundMe page to help rebuild their lives.
Holding back tears, Salinas said the fire’s emotional toll has been heavy.
“I really don’t like to — I’m so used to making everybody laugh, so that’s why I was like, sorry, I’m joking a lot,” she said. “It really sucks. Really sucks. Because I feel like it traumatized my kids.”
Despite the devastation, Salinas said her focus remains on gratitude.
“We’ll start over,” she said, adding she is thankful for the support from neighbors and strangers. “It’s been beautiful, and there are still good people out there.”
