Disabled Man Loses Home, Vehicle, and Wheelchair in Camper Fire Near Lake Rayburn

The remains of a camper are seen following a fire Wednesday night on County Road 226 near Lake Rayburn. The camper was serving as the home of Richard Cole and was a total loss.

BROOKELAND, Texas — A camper fire Wednesday night has left a Jasper County man with nothing after flames destroyed his home, vehicle, and wheelchair.

According to family members, the fire occurred late Wednesday night on County Road 226 near Lake Rayburn, when a camper serving as the residence of Richard Cole was destroyed by fire. Cole, who is disabled and battling cancer, was asleep inside when the fire started.

Richard Cole, whose home, vehicle, and wheelchair were destroyed in a camper fire Wednesday night.

Family members say the fire was sparked after other individuals in the area were setting off fireworks near the camper, causing the blaze to ignite. Cole barely made it out of the camper in time.

“This is my dad’s home and his brand new vehicle that caught fire Wednesday night,” his daughter shared. “Other people — not the homeowner — were popping fireworks so close to his house, and that is what caused the fire. My dad is disabled, and that was everything he owns. He barely made it out of the house. Thank God he did.”

According to his daughter, Cole has filed a police report regarding the incident, as he does not know who was setting off the fireworks. No suspects have been identified.

In addition to losing his home and vehicle, Cole’s wheelchair was also destroyed, leaving him without a critical mobility aid. Family members say the camper contained nearly all of his personal belongings.

Lake Rayburn Volunteer Fire Department responded to the scene shortly before the New Year with four apparatus and 14 firefighters, successfully extinguishing the fire. Despite their efforts, the camper and vehicle were a total loss.

Cole is currently staying with his daughter following the total loss of his home. His family says the loss is devastating, especially given his medical condition and limited ability to replace what was destroyed.

A GoFundMe account has been established to help Richard Cole recover, replace essential items, and assist with medical and living expenses. The fundraiser link is included below.