Overnight Miramar Fire Leaves Family Of Four, Five Dogs Homeless

MIAMI (CBSMiami) - A family of four is now without a home after an overnight fire on Thursday in Miramar.

Carlos Perez, the man who lives at the house on Miramar Boulevard near Riviera Drive, said he was up late watching TV when his daughter-in-law smelled the smoke.

"She started yelling fire, fire," said Perez. "Once I heard that and my wife screaming, I took action."

Perez tried to put the fire out himself, but when it was too strong, he called for help. He said Miramar Fire responded within minutes.

"These guys just ran in there and put their lives on the line. I am so grateful for the city of Miramar for having such great first responders," said Perez." It was so out of control that the cold, it was 42 degrees at that particular time at 1 AM."

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The quick action of the first responders, said Perez, saved some of his home. Three rooms were destroyed, but Perez and his family are all safe. He lives at the home with his wife, son, daughter-in-law, and 5 dogs. One of the dogs was stuck inside and Perez ran back in.

"I had to save my babies. I didn't care what happened to me at the moment," said Perez.

Perez said he was told by a fire official on scene that the cause of the fire was electrical.

A neighbor has set up a GoFundMe to help Perez and his family, as they are now without their home. The RedCross is helping the family out for the night.

A Gofundme page has been created to help the family. Click here if you would like to help.