Two Key Largo homes suffered extensive damage after a pair of fires broke out within a 72-hour span.
On June 23, firefighters responded to a reported structure fire on Largo Road. Heavy smoke and flames were visible when they arrived. Key Largo Fire Department, Monroe County Fire Rescue, Ocean Reef Fire Rescue and Key Largo EMS responded to the scene and quickly extinguished the fire. County and state fire marshals were investigating the cause.
No injuries were reported in the incident, but everything inside the home was lost in the fire. A Go Fund Me was set up to support the occupants affected by the fire, Mayra Rocha, Nelson Cancanon and a 3-year-old boy. The fundraiser was organized by Yuly Martin, niece of Mayra, who said her family lost everything in the fire.
“The house was totaled, and basically everything was lost,” she wrote. “I am incredibly grateful no one was home when the fire occurred.”
Donations via Go Fund Me for the family totaled more than $3,000 as of June 28. Rocha is lead custodian at Plantation Key School, while Cancanon is a maintenance worker at PKS.
“They both work very hard to ensure PKS is ready for the staff and kids. They both love what they do. All of their years of hard work was gone within minutes,” Martin wrote.
Another structure fire on Avenue D in Key Largo occurred during the early morning hours of June 26. According to the Key Largo Fire Department, firefighters arrived to see the house engulfed in flames. No injuries were reported in the incident. A dog was rescued from the home. Key Largo Fire Department was assisted by Islamorada Fire Rescue, Monroe County Fire Rescue and Key Largo EMS. State and county fire marshals are investigating the cause.
The local American Red Cross said volunteer members of the disaster action team, from the Greater Miami & The Keys Chapter, helped coordinate emergency aid to two people affected by the blaze. The Red Cross is providing emergency financial assistance, health and mental health services and will continue to provide additional support to the individuals to meet their needs.
