MIAMI BEACH, FLA. (WSVN) - A South Florida community came together to help a family who lost their belongings after their Christmas tree burst into flames, Friday morning.
Ericka Molina her two daughters were able to escape from the burning unit along Washington Avenue, near 15th Street, in Miami Beach, just before 8 a.m.
Security cameras captured thick black smoke coming from the front door of the unit as Molina and her younger daughter ran to safety.
“I was screaming and everything. I was really scared,” said Alexandra Bolibar, Molina’s younger daughter.
Bolibar said she thought about returning to the burning apartment to rescue her pet parakeet but did not have time. “I came running outside to go to my manager’s house, but instead I decided to call 911,” she said.
Miami Beach Fire Rescue responded to the scene and were able to put out the flames within minutes.
Officials said Bolibar’s split-second decision likely saved the fire from spreading to the neighboring unit. “It was a matter of seconds, if not minutes, before it was going to leave the room of contact,” said Miami Beach Fire Rescue Chief Virgil Fernandez.
7News cameras captured the unit’s charred front door, Friday afternoon. Video from inside the unit shows furniture with heavy smoke damage.
Jessy Vazquez, Molina’s older daughter, said she came home from school to find her home burned out. “Losing everything that we had, that we worked really hard for, is hard,” she said, as she wiped away tears.
Amid the chaos and loss, firefighters and police officers stepped up to lend a helping hand to the family, bringing cardboard boxes filled with toys, gift cards and groceries.
“We try to help every day,” said Fernandez. “We’re going to make sure that those kids have a Christmas that they don’t forget and not because of the fire.”
Molina, a single mother, expressed her gratitude to the first responders who went above and beyond the call of duty. “Thank you, thank you for everything and the support in the community,” she said.
Unfortunately, the family’s parakeet did not survive, but Vazquez said it could have been a lot worse. “I’m shattered completely, but I feel like this could be an opening to a new beginning,” she said.
It remains unclear what caused the fire to ignite. Investigators said an air freshener plugged into the wall or a light may be to blame.
Officials said the fire serves as a reminder for residents to observe caution inside the home this holiday season.
Molina and her daughters will stay with family while they figure out their next step.
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