JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — In Jacksonville’s Arlington neighborhood, a family of nine is focused on rebuilding their lives after a catastrophic house fire wiped out almost all their belongings.

The blaze erupted on the evening of December 12, engulfing the Martell family’s home in the Arlingwood area, as confirmed by both the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department and the family themselves.

After arriving home from work around 6 p.m., the Martell family settled into their evening routine at their residence on Cathcart Street. As they were getting ready to retire for the night, they noticed a troubling scent of smoke.

“Our oldest son, Billy, came down the hallway and said, ‘Dad, I smell smoke,'” recounts William Martell.

Upon approaching the garage, William says that thick smoke surrounded him. Before he could react, he says that the roof caved in around him and the fire spread throughout the home.

“I was laying there crawling when the whole ceiling collapsed on top. And I came back in the car. I got to the garage door and finally got out,” William says. “I was praying the whole time… I almost turned around. I said, if I turn around, I’m dead.”

Jacksonville Fire and Rescue responded shortly after, and upon arrival they saw that the garage was fully engulfed in flames. JFRD says that within two minutes of arrival, water was on the home. Luckily, all nine members of the family and their three pets were able to escape.

Although the flames were put out, the damages were far greater than what could have been expected. The Martell’s say they lost 30 years of childhood photos, two Harley Davidson motorcycles, an RV, and thousands of dollars in recent renovations in the fire.

First Coast News had the opportunity to walk through the home with the family, where damages can be seen in every room.

Homeowners insurance was not an option for the Martell’s, as they say that their insurance had lapped after William suffered from a widow maker heart attack. The family says that the same crew that helped William were the same firemen that put out the fire in their home.

Now, the family is staying in a hotel, hoping to rebuild.

“It’s hard going somewhere else instead of home,” the family says. “Take the time to breathe the fresh air and enjoy your living room.”

 A GoFundMe has been set up to aid with recouping costs for the family. The family also says they are accepting donations of clothing, such as shoes and pants, as well as any electronics.

With Christmas just days away, the Martells say their biggest need is help getting back on their feet and eventually back into a permanent home.

“I’m not used to taking from people. I’ve always been a giver,” the family said. “We would be grateful for anything that anybody could share or donate to us.”