Link: Video News Coverage of Active Fire at 8am on 03/09/26

A family home of 35 years was destroyed in a fire. I am trying to honor my mother’s final wish and care for my disabled sister.

On March 9, 2026, my late mother’s home was destroyed in a devastating arson fire.

This home meant everything to our family. My mother, Indiana Perez, purchased the house on Riverland Road in the 90’s. She worked her entire life to give her children stability and a safe place to call home. For more than thirty years, that house was the heart of our family. It is where we celebrated holidays, shared meals, and created a lifetime of memories together.

Sadly, we lost our mother on Christmas Eve of 2024. Losing her has been beyond heartbreaking, and our family was still deeply grieving. This tragedy has reopened that pain in ways we never imagined.

My sister, Loyda Garcia, was born with severe developmental disabilities and depends on me for daily care.

I gave my mother my word that I would do everything I could to always protect my sister.

For many years, our family has struggled with my brother, Renzo Garcia, who suffers from severe mental illness, Bipolar I disorder with episodes of extreme mania, but refuses treatment.

A few years ago, Renzo started a fire that completely destroyed our mother’s garage. He was arrested, charged with arson, and served time in jail. Since then, there has been a cycle of repeated mental health crises, often resulting in 72 hour psychiatric holds followed by release back into the community.

Because of the danger and instability, a restraining order was put in place in 2023 to protect my sister, myself, along with the property.

Despite this order, he returned to the house during another mental health crisis.

According to investigators, he had attempted to cause even greater damage by bringing liquid propane tanks into the living area of the home. He then started the fire in my late mother’s bedroom by placing a lit candle on her mattress.

He has once again been placed under a Florida Baker Act for a 72 hour psychiatric hold and is awaiting legal action.

The fire spread quickly, and the home soon became fully engulfed in flames. Local firefighters responded and fought to contain the blaze.

The fire was covered by local news stations, and videos of firefighters battling the flames have been shared widely across social media platforms, including Facebook and X. Reporters also interviewed me at the scene as we watched our home up in flames.

In a matter of minutes, more than 35 years of family memories were GONE. My mother’s photos, treasured keepsakes, and the life she spent decades building for our family were destroyed.

The City of Fort Lauderdale has since condemned the property due to the severe damage.

At the same time, the home is currently tied up in probate, even though my mother had prepared a will and living trust with her attorney.

I am trying with everything I have left in me to remain strong and REBUILD.

Your support will help us:

• Remove burned debris and secure the condemned property

• Establish a Special Needs Trust for my sister Loyda

• Address legal expenses related to the property

• Begin the process of rebuilding the home

Although the house has been destroyed, I am determined to honor my mother’s legacy. 

Asking for help is NOT EASY, but my family truly needs help right now.

Any donation, no matter the amount, or even sharing this page would mean more than words can truly express.

From the bottom of my heart, THANK YOU for standing with my family during one of our most darkest times. We are beyond tired, but because of compassionate humans like you, we are not alone through this.

With immense gratitude,

Sardis Canela