Family Loses 'Everything' In Wallingford Fire, Community Rallies

WALLINGFORD, CT — The community is rallying around a family after their home was heavily damaged in a fire on North Elm Street in Wallingford on Sunday afternoon. The residents weren’t injured in the fire, but two firefighters were treated for heat stress, according to the Meriden Record-Journal. A cat also died as a result of the fire, FOX 61 reports.

A GoFundMe account has been launched in support of the Torres family, who has been displaced from the home. The page was created by Taya Torres. To sign up for Wallingford breaking news alerts and more, click here.

“My grandpa and his family were involved in the house fire in Wallingford and lost everything,” Taya Torres wrote on the page. “I’d like to start this go fund me and raise as much money as possible to help them get back on their feet. Any amount is appreciated. Thank you!”

More than $4,600 has been raised by 78 people in the first day of the campaign. (UPDATE: More than $8,000 in five days).

The Meriden Record-Journal reports the home belongs to Jose L. Torres and he lived there with two of his children, Jayden Torres and Valerie Torres. His wife Katrina Ann Torres died in May at the age of 51, according to the Record-Journal. She taught at Rock Hill Elementary School in Wallingford for 26 years and was recognized this year as Rock Hill’s Teacher of the Year, according to her obituary.

Visit the GoFundMe page here and read more at the Meriden Record-Journal here.

Photo via GoFundMe /GoFundMe is a Patch promotional partner.

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