Community rallies around Dripping Springs newlyweds who lost everything in house fire

When North Hays County Fire Rescue (NHCFR) arrived to the scene of a house fire on Bell Springs Road, the evening of November 5th, they found a home that was fully involved. It was a total loss. “The occupants are safe and there were no injuries to firefighters,” NHCFR Chief Scott Collard said. “The cause is under investigation by the Hays County Fire Marshal.”

Gavin Pello and his wife Sydney lived at the house. They are newlyweds, having just been married for a little over two months now. As word started to spread about the fire, the help poured in.

“Neighbors, many of you have come down to the gate and beyond to offer help,” Sydney’s mother, Mary Stewart said in a Facebook post. “We don’t have the words to express how grateful we are for your care and support of our family during this difficult time.”

Stewart also expressed her appreciation for NHCFR and San Marcos/Hays County EMS. “[They] are heroes, not only for their courage and professionalism but for their compassion for people and their pets,” Stewart said. She said that she spoke with one of the firefighters about a pet kitten that lived at the house, when the firefighter spotted it. The kitten was unharmed.

Despite losing all belongings in the house fire, Stewart said what her daughter and son in law didn’t lose are the most important things. “Their lives, their love, their family, their friends and the support of this amazing community to help get them up, dust them off, and move forward,” she said.

A go fund me page has been set up to help the couple get back on their feet. If you’d like to donate, you can visit.gofundme.com/f/newlyweds-lost-everything?utm_medium= referral&utm_source=unknown&utm_ campaign=comms59s+newlyweds-losteverything