A Devine community staple went up in flames on December 20 as a truck with a gas leak ignited at Taqueria Jalisco. The fire, starting in the drive-thru lane, quickly spread to the building, destroying the majority of it. Despite the loss, Fatima Angel, the manager of the establishment located at the intersection of FM 173 and I-35, managed to escape after her fight against the blaze with fire extinguishers, as GoFundMe details described. She was later treated for related injuries and released.
Caught off guard by the fire during the holiday season, employees now find themselves without jobs, and their means of income abruptly seized by the flames. The community has been quick to respond, showing support through a GoFundMe campaign to aid the employees. "We are setting up this GoFundMe account to show the employees our appreciation and gratitude for the friendship they bring to Devine," the fundraiser page reads.
Perla Angel, owner of Taqueria Jalisco, mentioned the severe damages the fire inflicted on the establishment's interior. "A lot of damage, all the dining area, the register area. It's all burned down, ceiling, walls," she told KENS 5. Angel expressed her intent to rebuild, emphasizing her commitment to the Devine community and the mutual support that binds them.
In the wake of the devastation, customers are pulling their community threads tighter, weaving a network of support. Affected by the fire ravaging the ground where daily interactions with friends and warm meals were once a constant, they've translated their emotions into action. Malissa Polen, a loyal customer, described the taqueria as essentially part of the town's social fabric. "It's both community getting together to talk, friends place to meet. It's always a friendly environment, it's just home," Polen revealed to KENS 5.
As Christmas looms and with it the implications of lost wages, two official GoFundMe accounts have been established: one for the benefit of the employees, and another to assist with the rebuilding process – both a testament to the town's unity and resilience in the face of adversity. For those looking to contribute, details can be found on their respective fundraising pages.
