(Stuart, IA) – Officials with the Stuart Fire Department posted on social media, Saturday, that their Fire Chief, Stephen Martinson and his family experienced every homeowner’s nightmare when their home was struck by lightning during the storms that occurred Friday night, causing a fire and damage to the residence.
“Thankfully,” officials said, “Chief Martinson, his wife, and their three boys made it out safely. However, they are now displaced as they begin the difficult process of assessing the damage and determining next steps for their family. Chief Martinson has faithfully served the Stuart community for many years — answering calls at all hours, leading our department, and showing up for others in moments of crisis. Now, it’s our turn to show up for him,” the post said.
If you would like to support the Martinson family during this time, you can contribute to a GoFundMe page established by the Stuart Fire Department, to assist with the family’s immediate needs. As early Sunday morning, over $7,000 had been raised through donations to the account, found here: https://gofund.me/7ddd3b5d8
