MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. – An overnight fire displaced the residents of a northwest Miami-Dade County duplex.
The fire started just after 12:30 a.m. at 761 NW 101st St.
"When they woke me up, I didn't know what was happening," VanDyke Michael said. "People screaming. I didn't know what it was."
Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Lt. Kirsten Miller said firefighters arrived to thick smoke and flames.
They extinguished the fire, but the duplex was burned beyond repair.
Family members told Local 10 News that a cousin woke them up after smelling smoke. They got out safely and watched as their home went up in flames.
The family of 11 has lived at the home since 2015.
The home was a total loss and the one next door was also damaged.
Michael said their Christmas tree and gifts were also destroyed in the fire.
"We were getting a lot of stuff for the kids for Christmas," he said. "(It) got burned out, so now we've got to replace."
Michael said his most precious gift though, his 16-month-old son, was sleeping next to him when the fire broke out.
"I went outside and grabbed my son," he said.
Michael said he's just grateful that everyone is alive.
The American Red Cross was called to assist the residents.
A cause of the fire remains under investigation.