Gatesville Community Rallies to Support 16 Workers Displaced by Downtown Fire

Sixteen workers who lost their jobs when fire tore through downtown Gatesville's historic courthouse square on March 16 have each received direct financial assistance from a community-organized relief fund that has already climbed to nearly $10,000, with a second distribution planned as donations continue to come in.

Organizer Tippett hand-delivered the first round of checks to some of the displaced employees, describing the experience as a gut punch. "It was hard," Tippett said. "It was hard seeing them and seeing what they're going through, knowing that this is a different life for them that they never imagined."

The fund's rapid growth is due in part to a matching program run by Blayr Barnard, owner of Barnard Beef. Barnard is matching donations dollar-for-dollar up to $5,000, a commitment that has allowed organizers to put up to $500 in relief into the hands of every affected worker. "The employee benefit fund, we've already had a near $10,000 provided for these employees that were affected by this," Barnard said. Organizers plan a second distribution to those same 16 workers in the coming weeks.

On April 25, the Square Relief Benefit will bring vendors, food trucks, and live music to the courthouse square from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. The event is open to everyone and is intended to support not just the displaced workers but the Gatesville Volunteer Fire Department, which sustained equipment damage and vehicle wear during the response. Volunteer organizer Tully Meyer said keeping the department whole is a practical necessity: "They had some equipment damaged and wear and tear on their vehicles because of the fire so just to support them so they can keep responding to emergencies."

Meyer is also calling on local businesses to make the day a success. "Just businesses in Gatesville, really any and all, we're just trying to support the community as a whole. We need food vendors, retail vendors, anything," Meyer said. Businesses interested in participating can connect with organizers through the event's Facebook page.

Meanwhile, investigators with the Texas Department of Insurance State Fire Marshal's Office have determined the fire originated in the Gatesville Messenger building, clarifying early reports that placed smoke at a bail bonds business on the southwest corner of the courthouse square. Arson has been ruled out; the exact cause remains under investigation. Coryell County has issued a court order extending the local disaster declaration and passed a resolution aimed at preserving the historic Coryell County Courthouse, which stands steps from the destroyed buildings.

Donations for the employee relief fund are accepted at First National Bank branches in Gatesville, Evant, and Oglesby. Venmo donations can be sent to @blayr-barnard with a fire emoji in the message, and Barnard Beef will match every dollar up to its $5,000 cap.

Tippett, who has watched the community mobilize around its neighbors, framed the effort in terms that go beyond the immediate crisis. "There's not a person in this town that it doesn't affect," she said. "Gatesville is just strong, and that's who we are. We come together when we need it.