NORTHWEST MIAMI-DADE, FLA. (WSVN) - A raging house fire in Northwest Miami-Dade has left a family of four without a home.
Miami-Dade Fire Rescue responded to the scene near East 196th Street and Saint Andrews Drive, at around 3:30 a.m., Sunday.
The large size of the property made it difficult for crews to battle the blaze. It quickly grew to a two-alarm fire.
“The damage is extensive. It’s a total loss for the home,” said MDFR Battalion Chief Ray Jadallah.
Neighbors feared the flames would spread.
“It’s in our yard! It’s in our yard!” said an area resident.
It took about 30 firefighters 90 minutes to contain it.
“We had fire showing from three sides of the structure: the front, the side and the back of the home,” said Jadallah.
The family members were able to escape to safety. However, one of their pets did not survive.
“One of the occupants was treated for smoke inhalation. Unfortunately, one of the dogs did die inside the structure,” said Jadallah.
One of the residents was treated at the scene for smoke inhalation.
Investigators are focusing on the family’s Christmas tree, serving as a reminder for residents to get dried trees out of their homes.
“We talked to the homeowners. They did have a Christmas tree that was still up,” said Jadallah. “We’re looking into the possibility of the tree toppling over from one of the dogs, but we’re still in the preliminary phase of the investigation.”
The Red Cross has since stepped in to assist the family with temporary housing.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
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