Cuban singer María Antonieta Fernández is among those affected by a fire that broke out in a Miami apartment building, displacing over 40 residents on Monday morning.
The 68-year-old artist took to social media to share that she is safe but expressed concern over her missing cat. "I'm fine... I don't know anything about my kitty... It's breaking my heart. The building is still on fire. God willing, we're all okay except for the building manager... Thank you to everyone who is worried," Fernández wrote in a Facebook post while firefighters were still battling the blaze.
The singer, who recently celebrated 50 years of her artistic career with a show at Alfaros nightclub in Little Havana, even live-streamed the arrival of firefighters and emergency services. Fernández, who moved to Miami in 2012, did not provide further details about her current situation, such as whether she is staying with family, friends, or utilizing the shelter set up by the mayor for those affected by the fire.
Emergency Response and Assistance
Calls reporting a fire at the Temple Court apartments near downtown Miami led to a swift response from the Miami Fire Department around 8:15 a.m. Firefighters quickly rescued residents stranded on the building's balconies.
Miami Mayor Francis Suárez collaborated with the Red Cross to provide immediate assistance to displaced individuals at the José Martí Gymnasium, offering hot meals, medications, and arranging temporary shelter options for those unable to stay with family or friends.
City Commissioner Manolo Reyes announced that each person entering the available shelters would receive a $250 gift card for essential food and toiletries. The affected residents, many of whom are elderly, will receive support for their urgent needs.
A person found with a gunshot wound at the building's entrance was identified as an employee of Atlantic Housing Management, the company that manages the apartments. The victim was taken to a nearby hospital and remains in critical condition, according to Local 10 on Monday.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Miami Apartment Fire
In light of the recent fire at the Temple Court apartments, here are some frequently asked questions and their answers to provide more information and clarity on the incident.
What caused the fire at Temple Court apartments?
The cause of the fire is still under investigation. Authorities are working to determine the origin and circumstances surrounding the blaze.
How many residents were displaced by the fire?
Over 40 residents were displaced due to the fire at the Temple Court apartments.
What assistance is being provided to the displaced residents?
Displaced residents are receiving hot meals, medications, and temporary shelter. Additionally, each person entering the shelters will receive a $250 gift card for essential food and toiletries.
Who was the person found with a gunshot wound at the scene?
The person found with a gunshot wound was an employee of Atlantic Housing Management, the company that manages the apartments. The individual remains in critical condition at a nearby hospital.