NORTH MIAMI, FLA. (WSVN) - Ten families have been left without a home after fast-moving flames tore through their apartment units in North Miami.
7News cameras captured the aftermath of the large blaze at the apartment complex along the 1300 block of Northeast 127th Street, Sunday afternoon.
A 7News viewer captured cellphone video of a thick, black plume of smoke billowing into the sky.
“I saw the smoke. I said, ‘Oh, no,'” said Solin, one of the residents at the complex. “The smoke was coming [in my direction].”
Tenant Gabrielle Colon fought back tears as she described the frightening moments after she realized her unit was on fire.
“There was smoke coming inside. By the time I ran back out and got my cat, the whole place was in smoke,” she said. “The flames were on top.”
“I saw it was all up in flames,” said an area resident.
https://twitter.com/DymburtNews/status/1021108130724401152
“I went and quickly threw something on me, me and my son, and we get out,” said Solin.
Fortunately, no one was hurt, thanks to neighbors who went door-to-door to help get everyone out safely.
“My mom, she saw what was happening really early,” said neighbor Spencer Jolivois, “and after she was knocking on the doors, she told my sister to call 911.”
Miami-Dade Fire Rescue units responded to the scene shortly after. Officials said, since the units are located right next to each other, they had to act quickly.
“The neighbors were trying to help out the families, and that could have made a big difference,” said lead investigator Gerad Forrester.
Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Battalion Chief Michael Eng said putting out the flames was particularly challenging.
“We quickly deposed hose lines to attack the fire. Because of the large size and complexity of these apartment units, it required multiple hose lines to begin the fire attack,” he said.
The blaze left 25 adults and 10 children with no place to go. Families were left to watch as the rapidly spreading flames destroyed their homes and belongings.
“Everything is gone,” said a resident as she broke down in tears.
https://twitter.com/DymburtNews/status/1021166162711851016
Investigators said a fan in one of the units caused the fire after an outlet it was plugged into sparked the inferno, incinerating the living room almost immediately.
“There were two occupants in the [unit] at the time. One was in the shower, one was in the living room,” said Forrester. “Very lucky that they got out.”
Officials said the flames spread swiftly to the other units through an attic that connects the entire structure.
“It was a lot of work for the guys, for the teams,” said Eng.
Video of the aftermath shows the units barely left standing. Entire living rooms and bedrooms were reduced to rubble.
As cleanup efforts continue, the displaced residents said they feel lucky to be alive.
“Of course, yeah, it could have been worse,” said Colon. “Obviously, it could have been a lot worse. There’s a lot of families. There’s a lot of children.”
Some firefighters were treated for heat exhaustion, but they’re OK.
The American Red Cross was on hand to give hotel vouchers to the 10 displaced families so they have a place to stay while they figure out a long-term solution.
“I don’t have a home now,” said Colon, “so, hopefully, we’ll be able to sort it out.”
Copyright 2024 Sunbeam Television Corp. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.