Man Displaced By Southwest Austin Fire Gets Donations To Rebuild

AUSTIN, TX — From the ashes of a recent fire, the generosity of the human spirit has risen: One of the nearly 30 residents displaced from an apartment complex conflagration in southwest Austin this week has collected more than $8,700 in donations to help rebuild his life.

The blaze erupted at 6636 W. William Cannon Drive close to 1 a.m. on Monday, fire officials wrote on Twitter. Later ruled accidental, the 2-alarm fire resulted in no injuries. Despite the merciful lack of injuries or deaths, 27 residents were displaced after the fire spread — Aaron Sowles, whose GoFundMe campaign has resulted in donations meant to assist him relocate and rebuild.

"This week I was displaced from my apartment due to an accidental fire in my building in the middle of the night," Sowles wrote on the fundraising site. "If you are able, please help me through this difficult time.Please reach out to myself directly if you are able to donate any clothing or furniture. There is no pressure to donate, but I am grateful for any and all contributions."

Related story: 27 Displaced After Southwest Austin Apartment Complex Fire

His plea did not go unanswered. At last check, the drive had collected $8,810 among some 200 donors. To view the GoFundMe drive results, visit: gf.me/v/c/39mr/Aaron-Sowle-SHI.