The remains of the Temple Court Apartment building, which caught fire and resulted in a prolonged blaze last week, are set to meet the wrecking ball on Tuesday morning, as confirmed by City of Miami officials. According to WSVN, the fire has not only left the structure hazardously unstable, but its aftermath has rendered over 40 residents homeless, their personal belongings irretrievable due to safety concerns.
The fire, allegedly set by 73-year-old Juan Francisco Figueroa, who also stands accused of shooting a maintenance worker, lasted over eight hours. The destruction was so severe that authorities deemed the building, located at 431 Northwest Third Street, at immediate risk of collapse, and all access barred. In a statement obtained by WSVN, Kenia Fallat, Director of Communication for the City of Miami, stated, "Demolition will begin because of the hazardous material that is inside the building."
Displaced residents have found temporary refuge at Motel 6 in West Miami-Dade, as city officials have arranged for a two-week hotel stay while they work towards more stable housing solutions. "I wanted to save $5,000 to fix my immigration papers. I saved $3,500, they said 'Your apartment is on fire.' I came back and I lost everything," Eugenio Muñoz, one of the affected residents, told WSVN in an interview.
In solidarity with the victims, Miami Commissioner Manolo Reyes announced that individuals housed at Jose Marti gym would receive a $250 gift card for necessities, according to Hoodline. Meanwhile, the Red Cross has been actively providing aid, such as food and medication. Joel Enrique recounted his escape from the fire alongside his mother and pet, acknowledging the community's firefighters to Hoodline, saying, "That was their house so it's like, where do they go now that's the most important question."
The blaze has also led to a criminal investigation, with Feder-One Biotte, the maintenance worker who was shot before the fire took off, having undergone surgery and reported to be in critical condition. With photos sent showing his recovery so far, his godfather told CBS News Miami, "I call him son by the way. I am his godfather — 'I heard your son got shot,' and I said 'My son got shot how that happen.'" Charged with attempted murder and arson, Figueroa remains in custody without bond.
