BRONX, NY (July 17, 2013) – Pastor Michael Carrion, his wife, Elizabeth, and four children escaped uninjured from a fire that destroyed two multi-family homes shortly before 3 a.m. this morning.
Carrion, who is pastor of Promised Land Covenant Church, told a local news station,
“The flames were so ferocious that they set our house on fire. So my wife is screaming, the kids are screaming, but we’re grateful to be alive. A lot of people don’t come out of that. I’ve got my wife, I’ve got my kids, I’ve got everything. The house is replaceable.”
The family’s two dogs also escaped. But the Carrions lost all of their possessions. A relief fund has been established. Anyone wishing to make a contribution may click here.
Several families, including 10 adults and 15 children, were displaced by the fire, according to media reports.
Two children were treated for smoke inhalation at a local hospital and released. Between five and nine firefighters also were treated for minor injuries, according to media reports.
Officials said more than 250 firefighters from 60 units fought the blaze. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.