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Two dogs emerge alive from massive inferno that gutted family business

The family was over the moon after finding out their cherished dogs are unharmed

Published May 31, 2026
Two dogs emerge alive from massive inferno that gutted family business
Missing dogs miraculously emerged alive from smoking wreckage

In what can be called a miracle, a South Florida family initially believed to lose everything in a deadly inferno.

Their three decades of business gutted and two beloved dogs had been thought to parish.

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However, according to Local 10 News, the pets — Fantasma and Mimi — were found alive.

The blaze erupted on May 25 in a block of Opa-locka, torching JC Motors and Gary Used Auto Parts in the process.

The fire engulfed several parts of the building, but for owner Gary Lopez, his eyes were desperately searching for his missing dogs' signs.

"I don't have kids, so those are my kids," he said.

More than 17 hours passed, but Lopez did not give up hope.

As he stayed near the burnt wreckage, waiting and hoping for a miracle.

Then, he heard barking coming from the smoking building.

It was Fantassma and Mimi, who miraculously emerged alive.

"That feeling can't be beat," Lopez said of reunion. "These are smart dogs."

"I just felt relief," he noted. "That's like, your best friend."

Despite the celebration, disaster is still in place

Credit: Miami-Dade Fire Rescue/Facebook
Credit: Miami-Dade Fire Rescue/Facebook

Though Lopez family does celebrate the miracle of their pets being alive; but the business they build in three decades is in ruins.

“This place meant the world to us—income, our everything—now left stranded,” he said.

“This was devastating. It's not two days, you know, it's 30 years,” Lopez added.

“My father started as an employee, worked his way up, and eventually got the opportunity to buy it.”

Since the incident, the family has set up a GoFundMe page, for support.

Hassan Sohail
Hassan is a reporter covering entertainment and sports, with 3 years of experience. He focuses on film, celebrity culture, and major sporting events, delivering engaging stories that capture both on-screen narratives and on-field action, while offering readers a dynamic blend of pop culture and sports coverage.
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