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A family of Cuban origin experienced moments of anguish and desperation this week when a fire in an adjacent vacant house partially affected their home, just four days after having purchased it.
The incident took place in the area of Block 2000 of the Northeast and 137th Street, in North Miami Beach, in Miami-Dade County, very close to a trailer park.
An abandoned house turned into a latent danger
According to reports from the affected individuals and neighborhood residents, the property where the fire originated had been vacant for a long time, which led to its irregular occupation by unknown individuals.
“The house next to mine caught fire and that affected part of my house. We don’t know how the fire started. It was a house that had been abandoned, but people who didn’t live there were going in and caused the fire,” said Leandro Peraza, one of the affected family members, in a statement to Telemundo 51.
The fire broke out shortly after two in the morning on April 2, while the family was sleeping.
The emergency broke out so quickly that the response was immediate but futile in the face of the magnitude of the flames.
Mayra Viso, mother of Leandro, described the beginning of the disaster with words that reflect the panic of the moment: “In a matter of seconds, hell was unleashed.”
It was Viso who first noticed the seriousness of the situation: “A girl called me and asked if I needed help, and I asked them to call 911. My son had already gotten up, and they called the fire department,” he recounted.
"I heard my mom shouting and I went outside. That’s when I saw the flames starting. I grabbed a hose that was in the yard and began trying to put out the fire. But it was no use. You know how fire consumes everything," Leandro explained.
Material damages and a call to the authorities
Fortunately, there were no human casualties to mourn.
However, the material damage to the newly acquired home is significant, and since then, the family has been trying to mitigate the damage caused to their house.
Maya Viso urged the authorities to pay attention to the occupation of vacant homes.
“It is essential that they listen to residents when calls are made to complain about people living illegally in a property that is not theirs, especially if it is uninhabitable,” he stated.
This moment is especially painful for this family of Cuban origin, who had just achieved the dream of having their own home.
“I bought my house four days ago; but the good thing is that it didn't lead to worse troubles. We are alive,” the woman concluded with a tone of resignation and hope.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Fire in the Miami Residence
How did the fire that affected the Cuban family in Miami start?
The fire originated in an unoccupied house adjacent to the home of the Cuban family. The property had been vacant for a long time and was illegally occupied by unknown individuals, who apparently started the fire.
What were the consequences of the fire for the affected family in Miami?
Although there were no human losses, the material damage to the newly acquired home by the Cuban family is significant. They have been trying to mitigate the damage since the fire occurred.
What measures has the Cuban family requested from the authorities following the fire in Miami?
The family has urged the authorities to pay attention to the occupation of vacant homes, as this poses a risk to the community. They request that residents be heard when reporting illegal occupations.
How has the community reacted to the fire that affected the Cuban family in Miami?
The community has shown solidarity with the affected family, although no official actions for direct support have been reported. The family is grateful that there were no personal injuries beyond the material losses.
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