SOUTHWEST MIAMI-DADE, FLA. (WSVN) - Anthony, the son of 68-year-old Kenneth Pirraglia, said his father was a great man after finding out that he died in an efficiency garage fire early Tuesday morning.
“It’s the worst feeling in the world,” said Anthony in tears when asked about losing his father. “They wouldn’t tell me over the phone if he was OK and I kept asking, ‘Is my father OK?’ They gave me no answer.”
The blaze broke out in the garage of a one-story home located near 143rd Court and 158th Street in the Richmond West area. Miami-Dade Fire Rescue responded to the scene around 3:45 a.m. after reports of flames visible from the structure. When fire crews arrived, they encountered a significant blaze emanating from the garage turned living space for a tenant.
Neighbors said they heard a loud noise in the middle of the night before firefighters arrived. Video showed smoke billowing out of the roof of the house.
Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Chief Battalion Joseph Waters spoke to 7News regarding the death in this incident.
“Upon a quick search, they did a find one victim. Unfortunately, who passed. They precede to put the fire out and did a search on the rest of the house and there were no other victims found,” he said.
Before the devasting fire, Anthony was spending time with his father before the fire.
“We were able to spend the last few days together and I love my father with all my heart,” said Anthony.
When Anthony arrived at the scene, he identified his father as the man who lost his life due to the fire.
“He was just a great husband, a great father and a great mentor,” said Anthony. “He loved his neighborhood and he loved this city. He really did.”
Anthony shared the efficiency garage with his father for the past five years.
“It was just me and my father. I don’t really have anyone else,” he said. “All I has was my dad and I lost him so, it’s gonna hurt.”
Although Chief Battalion Waters stated that firefighters worked to make sure the house wouldn’t be a total loss, Anthony said he is now homeless as a result of the blaze.
The American Red Cross was at the scene to help Anthony and those affected by the house fire.
Anthony was able to go inside of the charred efficiency later in the day, where all he could salvage were prized possessions and a burnt photo album.
“This is my album from 2014 when I got married. This is all I could salvage from my house,” he said.
Investigators are currently on site to determine the cause of the fire and to asses any damages to the rest of the house. Miami-Dade Police Department officers were also on the scene as the investigation continues.
Anthony is now left with the loss of his father and the task of figuring out where he will live.
“Take it one hour at a time, step-by-step and day-by-day,” said Anthony.
Anyone who would like to help Anthony get back on his feet, he has shared his phone number with 7News viewers: 786-238-0535.
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