COCONUT GROVE, Fla. – A family of 11 is grappling with the aftermath of a devastating fire that tore through their Coconut Grove duplex on Christmas Eve, leaving them homeless but grateful for their safety and community support.
Helena Martinez, 17, was home Tuesday afternoon with her younger siblings, ages 3 and 8, when she noticed smoke filling their Southwest 30th Road residence near U.S. 1.
“It was fast, it was quick,” Helena said. “Flames were coming from that corner, and I saw the entire house in smoke. I grabbed the kids and ran out of the house with them in my two hands — my brother here, my sister here.”
Miami firefighters arrived quickly, finding the home engulfed in flames and smoke. Six adults and five children from the same family lived in the duplex, now destroyed.
“This is where I have most of my memories,” Helena said, recalling special moments with her siblings. “My sister took her first steps here, and my brother, who has Down syndrome, started walking in this space.”
Despite their loss, the family remained resilient. José Martinez, Helena’s father, expressed gratitude for the kindness of their community.
“We didn’t let this ruin Christmas,” Helena said.
Miami firefighters salvaged Christmas presents, while Casola’s Pizzeria provided a meal, and José's church hosted them for Christmas Eve. The Red Cross offered temporary assistance, including funds for a hotel stay.
The family’s biggest concern now is finding long-term housing that can accommodate their large household.
“If it’s where we can all be together, that’s okay,” José said. “But if we have to split up, the key is for the kids to be in a safe place.”
Helena launched a GoFundMe page to help her family rebuild, receiving thousands of dollars in donations, many from friends and faculty at her high school, Immaculata-LaSalle.
As they work to recover, the Martinez family remains hopeful, relying on their faith and the generosity of their community.