GoFundMe set up for family that lost all in Christmas Day fire
SALISBURY, Md.- A Salisbury family is reeling after losing their home in a fire on Christmas Day. A
GoFundMe is now open to help them recover, and move forward.
Homeowner James Wentz tells 47 ABC WMDT that his family is now staying in a hotel room, as they look to settle their next steps.
Wentz says he is thankful his four dogs made it out of the home, as one remains in the animal hospital. He says the family’s pet bunny was also rescued unharmed. Although, their pet bird, and all the fish in Wentz’s fish tank, perished in the flames.
The family had already opened presents on Christmas Day, and were headed to Wentz’s mother’s house. That’s when they noticed multiple fire engines rushing up the street.
“My wife, she picks up the cameras just to make sure everything’s good, and she slowly walks over here. She’s like, ‘James, I don’t have a camera feed of the house,'” Wentz said. As he drove over to the house, Wentz adds that he saw smoke billowing from his street.
In just 30 minutes, Wentz says the house had exploded into flames, taking out the security camera, and threatening the lives of the four dogs inside. Wentz says that was his number one priority, as he sprinted to his burning home.
“I put my entire shoulder and elbow into my door, broke the two hinges off the top and bottom, shattered it open, and started screaming for my dogs,” Wentz said. “That was all I was thinking about. Nothing else even crossed my mind. Stuff is replaceable. I’m never going to replace the bond I have with my dog.”
Wentz says after the flames subsided, and he returned the next morning, they found his own ladder propped up against his window, with jewelry and electronics missing from their bedroom.
Sentimental items like Wentz’s grandfather’s watches were stolen. However, he says the items his kids, 4-year-old Harper and 12-year-old Jaxsun lost, are what he is hoping to be able to replace.
“Me and my wife are fine. We went and bought clothes today, but we need anything for our kids. Little Barbie toys or Gabby’s dollhouse. Stuff for my daughter. She got an art set that shouldn’t even get to play with because it’s melted now on our floor, ” he said. “[My son is] into clothes. He likes reading, he’s that kind of kid. I’m really bad at asking for help and asking for handouts, but it just really hurts, too, for this to happen on Christmas.”
Wentz says it’s the smell of the burnt wood of his home that he can’t shake, as he tries to explain to his daughter who is asking to go back home, that the family does not have that option.
“Any little thing, whether it’s the GoFundMe or someone wants to bring us dinner, we really don’t care. We’re not expecting anything to show up, either. So, if the kindness of anybody wants to help, we’re always available,” Wentz said.
Anyone who wants to reach out with help directly can contact the family at JamesiiWentz1991@yahoo.com. Wentz says they are beyond grateful to those who have contributed to the GoFundMe.
