A dozen fire departments have been helping Balch Springs contain the wildfire there, but the blaze has still damaged or destroyed 26 homes and will add even more anxiety for kids starting to think about the new school year.
Mesquite ISD says the fire has affected 48 students. Superintendent Angel Rivera says those students and others who are friends or hear about the fire on the news will all face added emotional pressure.
"The start of the school year brings anxiety in children, on a normal year, especially post-pandemic," Rivera said. "So now we have the psychological trauma that students experienced."
Rivera says the district has partnered with social workers, and Mesquite ISD will have access to federal funds in some cases to help kids.
But the district is also raising money for items the federal grant cannot cover. people can make physical donations at the Balch Springs Civic Center or Opal Smith Food Pantry.
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