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Neighbors join together to help Leander family after house fire

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A house fire over the weekend has proved devastating for one Leander family who lost their home.

Henry Prokop, his wife and 3-year-old son were not at home when the fire began Friday night around 9:15 p.m. in the 1100 block of Calistoga Drive.

Leander Fire Department District Chief Stuart Heater said the cause of the fire is undetermined and the investigation is being closed out. The fire did spread through the attic though. “The entire roof is gone,” Heater said.

The house is considered a complete loss though the family was able to save some of their possessions. “We were able to get all of our pictures and stuff that can't be replaced,” Prokop said.

He said the insurance is only covering the outside, but no personal things inside. “I'm just glad we were able to get some things.”

Prokop said the Leander Fire Department responded very quickly and did an amazing job. “I can't say enough for the Leander Fire Department,” he said. The fire department had crews help the family go through the house and dig out any personal items.

The Ridgewood neighborhood, where the Prokop's house was, has responded quickly and is collecting gift cards, clothes and money for the family. “All the neighbors have come together,” said Reba Holmes-Watkins, who is helping organize the drive in the neighborhood. “We all wanted to do something and [we] put together as quickly as we could a fund drive.”

The drive is Wednesday through Friday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the neighborhood pool at 1817 Rutherford Drive.

Fliers and signs have been distributed throughout the neighborhood,” Holmes-Watkins said. “Our hearts are going out to the family. It's just devastating.”

Cash and checks are accepted along with gift cards to Target, Wal-Mart and other department stores. The drive is also collecting clothes and toys for the family. The fliers have the clothing sizes listed for the family.

The Liberty Hill and Cedar Park Fire Departments also responded to the fire, Heater said.

E-mail jenn@hillcountrynews.com

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