JUPITER, Fla. — A Jupiter family is rebuilding from a tragic fire that destroyed their home over the weekend.
According to the Palm Beach County Fire Rescue (PBCFR), units responded to the structure fire at the 800 block of Northview Drive in the Eastview Manor neighborhood at around 1 p.m. Saturday.
The couple stepped out to run errands and left a family member in charge of their five girls. They came back minutes later and shockingly found the duplex covered in flames.
“I was just in shock," stated Leslie Hernandez. "I had no words I was paralyzed for a little bit. I felt I was going to faint.”
The Herreras said a family friend rescued their girls, and dog out of the home. “Thank God my girls are OK," shared Rudy Herrera. "But the impact of seeing their faces so scared, that doesn’t leave my mind yet.”
The Herrera’s savings were stored in the home and were destroyed in the flames.
“Around this time with the holidays, it’s super hard for us, especially with the girls," stated Hernandez. "We had some cash inside the house. Pretty much it was our savings, Christmas presents, everything. It’s horrible.”
The American Red Cross Disaster Action Team from the Palm Beach Treasure Coast Chapter assisted the family.
Smoke and flames were seen coming from the residence and the fire was extinguished with no injuries reported.
The fire was determined to originate from a kitchen and is being considered accidental, PBCFR said.
Despite losing their belongings, the Herrera's are holding onto what matters most, their family’s safety and support.
"It’s hard to see your house left in pieces. But with God’s blessings we’re going to move forward from this," stated Herrera.
The family started a GoFundMe to help with rebuilding efforts.
