MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. — Two former Miami-Dade firefighters were arrested on manslaughter and negligence charges on Feb. 21, related to the death of one of their sons during an unauthorized training exercise in the summer of 2024.
The training took place on June 21 at a three-story building in Virginia Gardens, WPLG reported.
Francisco Camero was among three Miami-Dade Fire Rescue employees who resigned following the unauthorized training exercise that resulted in the death of his son, Fabian Camero, an employee at a private ambulance company.
Camero’s son suffered critical injuries during the exercise and died the following day after being rushed to the hospital. Another former employee, ex-lieutenant Rafael Fernandez was taken into custody just before noon.
Authorities stated that Camero had invited his sons, Fabian and Lorenzo, to participate in the live-fire training to gain experience in fire rescue.
According to the arrest warrant, Camero, Fernandez and former firefighter Steven Colon secured the building through a verbal agreement, though the owner denied approving live-fire exercises. MDFR policy prohibited such drills, but authorities said they used “modified metal barrels,” one containing X-ray films and wood in a closet.
Investigators found no safety officer was assigned to the training, and Fabian Camero was given outdated, non-compliant gear. His self-contained breathing apparatus failed, leading to his death from smoke inhalation.
The warrant alleges the three former firefighters attempted a cover-up and gave false statements. Detectives say Fernandez falsely reported to 911 that everyone was safe, later admitting two were trapped, including Natalia Contreras, who was filming without protective gear. Though Fernandez and Colon denied filming occurred, Contreras provided crucial footage for the investigation.
831063370 Fernandez Camero Warrant by Lexipol_Media_Group on Scribd
