For Wall Family, Fire Was Latest In String Of Tough Times

WALL, NJ — When the Martignetti family escaped an early morning fire in their home a week ago, it was the latest blow in a series of difficulties for the Wall Township family.

Christine Martignetti, the mother, had just been diagnosed with cancer and had surgery three days prior to the fire. That came on the heels of losing their health insurance. Then Martignetti, six children and the family dog were forced to flee when the fire broke out shortly after 2 a.m. on Jan. 7.

"While everyone was able to evacuate the home and is safe, the home was severely damaged and the family is not allowed to return to the home," Martignetti wrote on a GoFundme campaign.

In addition to the GoFundme, officials at St. Rose High School, where one of the Martignetti children is a student, are raising funds as well.

The family escaped with the clothing on their backs, St. Rose officials wrote on a fundraising pagehosted by the school. "Everything else has been destroyed. The community of St. Rose High School has visited the family to help meet their immediate needs and now working to help them rebuild."

The St. Rose and Wall ice hockey teams raised about $2,700 over the weekend at their senior night games, the Asbury Park Press reported.

The family escaped the fire thanks to a working smoke detector and their barking dog, News 12 New Jersey reported.

The fire started when a towel was left on a heater, the Coast Star reported. Wall Fire Company officials said one firefighter suffered minor injuries and was treated and released.

The Martignetti GoFundme said the family is welcoming gift cards for food and clothing as well as the cash donations. "The family needs to cover living expenses, clothing, and unpaid medical," the campaign said.

The St. Rose fundraiser is not part of GoFundme, and officials said all of the funds raised will go directly to the Martignetti family, officials said. Those wishing to donate can click here.

Wall Fire Company officials said the fire on Bayshore Court was significant in the basement, first floor and attic. 1st floor and attic area. They were assisted by Glendola Fire Company, South Wall Fire Rescue, Spring Lake Goodwill Fire Co. No. 2 Spring Lake Fire Company #1, Unexcelled Fire Co. Neptune Fire Dept NJ, Independent Fire Company #1 Spring Lake Heights, Manasquan Engine Co. #2, and Belmar Fire Department.

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Photos via Wall Township Fire Co. 1, published with permission