These are the Zavala's, Benny, Dama, Matthew, Sofia, Benny Jr., Lauren, and Julius. Their children are ages 22, 16, and 12, while the dog is 10 .

On Tuesday, August 19, 2025, there was a fire while Dama was home with the twins and dog. She told the kids to get out through the back door with the dog, while she then tried to put out the fire. But by then, the flames were already above the stove and into the upper cabinets. She ran to get a fire extinguisher, but by the second attempt, she couldn’t even make it 10 feet into the house—the smoke was so thick and black. The fire itself stayed mostly contained to the kitchen, but the smoke damage spread throughout the entire house.

The inspector came in and immediately condemned the house as unsafe. The Fire Marshall and Chief told the family to leave everything behind because it was all contaminated with toxic fumes. They left with the clothes on their backs. The Red Cross helped with some emergency cash, but by the time a hotel was booked and they bought a few essentials (underwear, socks, shirts, pants, pajamas, toiletries, etc.), it was all gone. The family is now trying to find a place to settle down and get a roof over their kids' heads. Eventually, they will need to get furniture—couches, beds, mattresses—and stock a kitchen with everything from food to plates, cups, pots, and pans—basically, all the things that make daily life possible.

This home was a rental and unfortunately they didn't have renters insurance. Dama was a stay-at-home mom for most of her children's lives until recently she became a nurse. Her husband is gainfully employed as well. With debt from nursing school, having a house full of adult stomachs, and the insane cost of living in South Florida, this family is still happy to have each other after this terrible event. Please help and pray for the Zavala's as they start all over.