Fire at Waskom home kills 2 brothers, severely injures father
Published 7:17 pm Tuesday, December 30, 2025
The cause of a fire at a Waskom home that claimed the lives of two young brothers and severely injured their father has not yet been determined, authorities said Tuesday.
The two siblings, Isaac, 8, and Hector Pedrozaages, 11, were pronounced dead by Harrison County Pct. 1 Justice of the Peace John Oswalt.
Oswalt said emergency units were alerted about 10:20 a.m. of a structure fire on Noble Street with occupants trapped inside.
“It was … an extremely hot fire,” said Oswalt, describing how the high-pitched roof held the heat inside the metal trailer structure.
Oswalt said when officials arrived, family members were at the scene attempting to gain access to the home, but conditions were too dangerous.
“We were trying to keep the family back,” he said, noting first responders also were trying to gain entry into the structure.
Oswalt said the siblings’ father was able to escape but sustained severe burns. He was airlifted to a medical center for treatment. Oswalt said people at the scene said the boys’ mother wasn’t home at the time of the fire.
“Lots of people were out there for sure,” he said of the support the family has received. “Yes, it’s definitely a tragic day for sure.”
The two siblings were elementary and middle school students at Waskom ISD. In a statement on the district’s Facebook page, Waskom ISD Superintendent Chris Guastella expressed the district’s sadness.
“Our entire school community is grieving this tremendous loss, and our hearts are with their families, friends, and all who knew and loved them,” Guastella wrote.
He said school counselors will be on hand to help students and staff members.
“We recognize that this news is deeply upsetting,” Guastella wrote. “Grief affects everyone differently, and both students and adults may experience a wide range of emotions.
“Please know that you are not alone, and support is available. We encourage families to talk with their children and reach out to the school if additional support is needed.”
Guastella extended his condolences to the students’ family and asked all to keep them in their thoughts.
“In times like these, it is important that we come together with care, compassion, and respect for the privacy of the families involved,” he wrote. “We ask that you keep them in your thoughts as they navigate this unimaginable loss.”