VIRGINIA GARDENS, FLA. (WSVN) - A firefighter training exercise in a Virginia Gardens building became a real emergency when flames ignited, sending a man to the hospital in critical condition.

Miami-Dade Fire Rescue units responded to the scene of the blaze at Northwest 66th Avenue and 36th Street, Friday morning.

7Skyforce hovered over the scene as firefighters cut a portion of the skylight on the building. Smoke was seen emitting from the building, and several fire trucks were parked along 36th Street.

Crews were anticipating that there would be a partial collapse of the roof.

According to 7News’ Ralph Rayburn, it appeared that the training operation involved Miami-Dade County firefighters, international firefighters and trainees.

“Mayday, mayday, mayday, we have a downed fireman. We’re bringing him out down the stairs,” said a first responder in radio transmissions.

Officials said this firefighter’s injuries were so severe, that they were airlifted from Jackson West Hospital to Jackson Memorial Hospital. MDFR instructor Francisco Camero was seen getting off of the emergency helicopter.

According to MDFR, the patient sent to the hospital in critical condition was not a Miami-Dade firefighter.

It is unclear at this time what that person was doing in the training exercise, as well as their affiliation.

Two other people who were on the third floor of the building were able to self-extricate themselves and were treated at the scene.

“Two victims that were initially in are out. The third victim is a firefighter that’s unconscious,” said another first responder in radio transmission.

MDFR had permission from the Virginia Gardens Police Department and the developer of the property to use the building for training, which has been unoccupied since 2020. They would not comment on whether or not firefighters not associated with the department were allowed the facility as well.

Florida State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis released a statement on X quoting 7News’ news alert.

Crews established a command post behind the building.

Late Friday afternoon, crews were able to extinguish the fire.

Police temporarily blocked off Northwest 36th Street between 62nd and 72nd avenues. The roadway has since reopened to traffic.

Miami-Dade Police and state fire marshals are investigating this incident.

Copyright 2024 Sunbeam Television Corp. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Join our Newsletter for the latest news right to your inbox