A Cuban resident in Miami is seeking help from her fellow countrymen to raise funds for her mother, who lost everything in a fire that occurred on Monday in the building where she lived in the Florida city. Ivette Leyva Martínez has opened a GoFundMe account to collect money for her mom, Martha Martínez, one of the victims of the blaze at the Temple Court residential complex at 431 NW 3rd Street.
"After 20 years in Miami, at 76 years old and with various health problems, my mother is once again a refugee and will have to start over," Ivette explained.
The elderly woman lost all her possessions in the fire, which has also left other low-income seniors homeless. According to Ivette, the blaze was intentionally set and is considered the most devastating residential fire in Miami in recent decades.
"I appeal to our wide network of friends for support after this tragic event. Any help is appreciated. Thank you in advance," she concluded.
More than 40 residents of the four-story apartment building in Miami were displaced by the fire on Monday. Many have moved in with relatives, while others had to seek shelter elsewhere. Local 10 reported seeing several residents, mostly over 60 years old, being transported on Miami trolleys, some with their pets.
During the firefighting efforts, firefighters found a gunshot victim at the entrance of the building. The individual, identified as an employee of Atlantic Housing Management—the company managing the apartments—was taken to a hospital in critical condition.
Among those affected is Cuban singer María Antonieta Fernández, who live-streamed the arrival of firefighters and emergency services. The artist had to evacuate her home in pajamas and couldn’t save anything, not even the computer where she stored all her artistic material and recordings.
She recounted that she was in the bathroom when it all began and that smoke quickly filled her apartment because the fire broke out very close to her unit. "The firefighters knocked on doors, checking and helping those who couldn’t evacuate on their own," she detailed.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Miami Fire Incident
The fire in Miami has sparked many questions among the community and those looking to help. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions and their answers.
How can I donate to help the victims of the Miami fire?
You can donate through the GoFundMe account set up by Ivette Leyva Martínez for her mother, Martha Martínez, and other affected residents.
What caused the fire in the Temple Court residential complex?
The fire was intentionally set, making it one of the most devastating residential fires in Miami in recent decades.
Who was the gunshot victim found during the firefighting efforts?
The gunshot victim was an employee of Atlantic Housing Management, the company that manages the apartments. He was taken to a hospital in critical condition.