Tori King
INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) — An Indio family has nothing left, after their home of forty years went up in flames. The entire family is now displaced, saying an illegal firework destroyed their home while they were sleeping.
According to a GoFundMe set up by some of the family members, a stray firework, set off illegally by a stranger nearby, landed in their backyard, catching the home on fire.
Mayra Garcia, a resident of the home, says they were abruptly woken up on the night of the Fourth of July but a man who was a stranger, pounding on their door. “I was just in the middle of the hallway when somebody hits the window really, really hard,” said Garcia. “They opened my door because it was unlocked, and they’re like, the house is on fire. He kept saying, I’m sorry, I’m sorry.”
Every family member managed to make it out safely, but they only had time to take the clothes on their backs. As of now, the home appears to be a total loss.
“We’re temporarily staying at a hotel, and we’re living out our cars,” said Jajuan Martin, Garcia’s husband. “Our kids are like, we’re homeless. My son, he took it pretty bad, you know. He was crying really, really hard. And he’s a tough boy. It’s hard to watch as a dad.”
Now, with the help of the red cross and the community, the family is working to get back on their feet again. However, Martin owns a landscaping company, and all of his tools were burned during the fire, which started in the backyard. Now, he’s wondering how he can get back to work without them.
“It was at least $10,000 worth of tools I’ve bought over the years,” said Martin. “They were all destroyed, theres nothing left.”
The couple says people have already shown them kindness and generosity amid the devastation.
“We have received donations already,” said Garcia. “I know my friends, my coworkers have given clothes, his friends, have given the kids clothes. And it just, it melts my heart, just how you know everybody’s helping.”
The family is now looking for support, releasing this statement:
“This fundraiser is to help her family begin the long road to recovery and rebuilding. Any amount you can give, no matter how small, will make a meaningful difference during this incredibly difficult time.
Your support, kindness, and generosity are deeply appreciated.”
Donations can be made here.
According to the Indio Police Department, investigators are working to identify the possible suspect that could be responsible for setting off the firework that ignited the fire.
CalFire confirmed to KESQ that it did respond to the incident, but did not confirm whether the fire was sparked by a firework. As of right now the incident remains under investigation.
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