A Jupiter family's life was upturned this past weekend when a fire ravaged their duplex, destroying their home and possessions, including their savings which were stored in the house. Running errands and leaving a relative in charge of their five daughters, the Herrera family returned to a nightmare scenario, as flames engulfed their residence on Northview Drive in the Eastview Manor neighborhood. "I was just in shock," said Leslie Hernandez, as recounted to WPTV. "I had no words I was paralyzed for a little bit. I felt I was going to faint."
In an unfortunate incident that happened around 1 p.m. last Saturday, the Palm Beach County Fire Rescue was deployed to tackle the residential fire. A family friend was quick to rescue the girls and their dog from the home. "Thank God my girls are OK," Rudy Herrera stated to WPTV, “But the impact of seeing their faces so scared, that doesn’t leave my mind yet.” The American Red Cross Disaster Action Team was swift to assist the family consisting of 12 people, as per a report by WPBF.
Palm Beach County Fire Rescue officials have determined the fire started in the kitchen and was accidental. While the fire was successfully extinguished without injuries, the Herrera’s ordeal underscores the swift turnover of stability to upheaval. Giving a face to the emotional toll such events impart on the lives they touch, Rudy Herrera shared their determination to rebuild, relying on faith as a cornerstone, "It’s hard to see your house left in pieces. But with God’s blessings we’re going to move forward from this," he told WPTV.
In response to this calamity, the family has initiated a GoFundMe campaign to support their rebuilding efforts, as the holiday season looms. Emergency financial assistance, health, and mental health services, and personalized support to help the family navigate the recovery process, offered by The American Red Cross, complement the collected community aid, indicating the web of support that communities often weave in the face of individual tragedies, as reported by WPBF.
