91-year-old man saved after home, nearby church engulfed in flames

Residents return to see what's left after fire in Miami's Overtown neighborhood

MIAMI – Smoke could be seen for miles Friday evening when fierce flames broke out in Miami's Overtown neighborhood. Investigators initially feared someone died, but the man they thought was dead was found.

One day after the smoke and balls of fire engulfed a Miami home and neighboring church, those who live in the area returned to see what's left.

Rodney Jackson said his 91-year-old grandfather, James Williams, was home alone asleep Friday night when the ferocious flames took over.

"It was boggling. The only thing I could think about was him in the house and him perishing in that fire like that," said Jackson. "I was thankful that there were two women, two ladies. They got him out of here."

There was just enough time to rescue Williams from the fire, but not much else was saved. The intense and fast-moving flames spread from the house to Jackson's business -- Jackson Brothers Ice Cream -- and then the church.

"I was aghast when I saw all the crimson, all the carnage, and all the soot and smoke," said Jackson.

Garland Davis is a guest pastor at Christ Church of the Living God, which stood for 100 years with a small but loyal congregation. No one was there at the time of the fire, but the church is also a total loss.

"They have every intention of fully rebuilding," said Davis. "There is some insurance but we'll need a little help from the community."