Sinton Residents with and without Fire Insurance Face Aftermath of Welder Fire
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — The aftermath of the recent Welder Fire in Sinton, Texas, has left residents grappling with the devastating consequences, highlighting the critical importance of fire insurance. While some homeowners are rebuilding with the support of their insurance policies, others are left facing an uncertain future without coverage.
As spring winds are expected to continue, experts emphasize the importance of securing fire insurance, as it is not too late to obtain coverage. “Well, they need to call their agent right away, and if they don’t have a local agent, then I recommend they call the 1-800 number on their policy,” said insurance agent Stephanie Waterman. She also advised residents to document their belongings to aid in the claims process. “It’s a good idea to take pictures to help jog your memory of what you had proactively,” she said.
The impact of the fire is being felt differently by residents. Barbara Funke, whose home was destroyed, has already begun the rebuilding process. “Yes — my — I’ve already contacted my insurance,” she said. “My adjuster has already been here. I’ve already got the ball rolling. I was able to save a few things, so we’ve already got movers coming in today. Some in storage. It’s been wonderful.”
In contrast, Elena Sanchez and her husband, volunteer firefighters, are facing significant challenges. “We don’t have insurance,” Sanchez explained. “We used to have insurance when we put a hold on the house, but since we paid it off, my husband said, ‘You know, well, we can’t afford it. So we went ahead and dropped it.” With their home lost, they are now seeking assistance from aid organizations.
Sanchez recounted the emotional toll. “We have fire damage inside the house. The fire was burning at our neighbor’s house. I was standing across the street watching the fire burning, because at that time, I was already overwhelmed with all of the fires and the wind just picked up and just swirled. I was praying, and I call it the devil’s wind,” she said.
Authorities are still assessing the full extent of the damage. According to Waterman, it’s never too late to prepare. With windy conditions expected throughout the spring, obtaining fire insurance can offer crucial protection for homeowners.
