One day before a family was set to celebrate Christmas Eve, a fire completely destroyed their Southwest Miami-Dade home and newly purchased Christmas presents.
Miami-Dade Fire Rescue told NBC 6 South Florida the fire broke out Sunday morning on the 15200 block of Southwest 184th St. About 50 people battled the blaze with seven trucks.
A family of five was in the home at the time, including a 13-year-old who alerted father Hande Rodriguez to the blaze.
“I couldn’t save anything you know? At least I bring my kids outside and a couple of my pets and out of nowhere I lost everything,” he said. “But you know what? I got God, and I got my family healthy. That’s all that counts.”
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The homeowner said he burned his back as he freed his two rat terriers from their cages. One of the rescued dogs is missing.
But Rodriguez said losing material possessions isn't the worst thing that could've happened.
"I'm healthy. I'm alive. I'll make things happen," he said.
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The cause of the fire is under investigation, but the homeowner told NBC 6 the fire began in the back of his house near the laundry room.
The family of five will stay with relatives, but the American Red Cross is assisting them with food and clothing.
