Victoria County man loses home, dog to fire

May 09--Donald Dailey's attempt to cook dinner Monday night resulted in the loss of his home of 29 years and his 13-year-old Siberian husky, Cosmos.

The 78-year-old said he put frozen french fries in hot grease, it overflowed and then caught fire. Dailey said he lifted the pan up to put it in the sink but had to drop it because it was too hot.

He tried to put the fire out with flour and then water it down with a hose, but it was too late.

"The fire marshal told me, 'Once it reaches the attic, it's all gone," Dailey said.

The Victoria Fire Department and Victoria County Fire Marshal's Office responded about 8:10 p.m. Monday to the home at 605 Hunters Circle near Raisin, where the fire had already reached the roof. Firefighters revisited the location after fire reignited Tuesday morning.

Dailey's daughter, Tammy Taylor, who lives in Pinellas County, Fla., created a GoFundMe account for those interested in helping out. She said her father lost everything and did not have insurance.

"I'm so far away, and all I got to see were videos and pictures," Taylor, 52, said.

Dailey has been staying with friends and was on his way to Port Lavaca on Tuesday afternoon.

"It was not a good experience," he said. "I can't think of what else to do."

Ismael Perez reports on arts/entertainment and breaking news for the Victoria Advocate. He may be reached at iperez@vicad.com or 361-580-6558.

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