A family of 11 in Miami was displaced by a fire that destroyed their duplex home on South Federal Highway on Christmas Eve. City of Miami Fire Rescue responded quickly to the emergency call after 4 p.m., preventing the fire from spreading. However, the home, housing six adults and five children, was severely damaged.
WSVN reported that Jose Davila, a family member affected by the incident, said, "We tried to use the hose to put water but it was too much." Davila added, "It’s a difficult situation, because my grandfather passed away on Christmas Eve, so we always have that emotional moment, and having this on top of that, it’s not easy." Despite the damage, the family’s holiday gifts were saved by the fire team.
Helena Martinez, a 17-year-old from the affected family, is credited with saving her younger siblings during the fire. In an interview with Local 10, she described escaping the smoke-filled home with her 3-year-old and 8-year-old siblings. Martinez used Siri to call for help, and the fire department took over when they arrived.
The American Red Cross provided immediate assistance, and a GoFundMe page has raised over $19,000 in two days, according to WSVN. "We cannot express in words how thankful we are of their generosity and empathy, because this is what we need in this moment, you know," Davila said.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation. Casola’s Pizzeria provided a Christmas meal, and Davila's church offered shelter on Christmas Eve. Davila told Local 10, “If it’s where we can be all together, it’s OK, but if we have to split, it’s OK also. The key is for the kids to be in a safe place.”
