FALL RIVER, Mass. (WPRI) — Three weeks since a massive fire destroyed the Four Winds Apartment Complex in Fall River where two people were killed, the community is coming together, looking to help those affected.
New Year’s Day 2019 is a day Jesse and Agnes Martins will never forget.
“I said the smoke detectors are going off we have to get out of the building,” said resident Agnes Martins. “A lady just hit the building with the car. So we got out, and we looked, and of course there was the fire already.”
They’ve been married for 55 years and had only been living at Four Winds Apartment Complex for four months when the fire destroyed their home.
“Those firemen just worked so hard it was incredible, everybody concerned,” she added.
Since Jan. 1, the community has been rallying around families, with the Fall River Firefighters Wives Association leading the way. On Saturday, they met with each family individually to assess what they need and give them a little help.
“We have cards here, they’re handmade from some children at a middle school in Rehoboth. We have a check and gift cards for all of the people. It’s equaling $70,000 so far split between 35 families,” said Sharron Furtado of the Fall River Firefighters Wives Association
In Swansea a donation center has been set up at the mall with everything the victims could need, from clothing and shoes to toiletries and toys.
“They’re very very thankful for everything that we’ve done and they’re all starting to find the first step of getting back on their feet,” added Martins. “It’s just amazing, it has restored my faith in humanity.”
Anyone who wants to help those affected by the fire, can donate on the official GoFundMe page.
