MIAMI – Police are investigating a house fire that left 19 people displaced in Miami’s Little Havana neighborhood Monday afternoon, authorities said.
Firefighters responded to the fire at the family’s home near the intersection of Coral Way and Southwest 17 Terrace on Monday afternoon.
Miami Fire Rescue Lt. Pete Sanchez previously told Local 10 News Tuesday morning that a family of 6 was displaced during Monday’s house fire but confirmed Tuesday afternoon that 19 people were displaced as a result of the fire.
Sanchez said he believes the additional 13 people that were displaced lived next door and were forced to evacuate after the fire.
Sky 10 flew over the scene capturing the bright orange flames and thick black smoke shooting into the air as firefighters worked to get the ferocious blaze under control in ten minutes.
“I saw the diesel generator blow, I saw the roof collapsing in,” said Michael Cardona, a witness.
Firefighters were also forced to rescue three neighbors who were not injured, but were at risk, including Raul Benitez, 84, who said he was grateful.
Authorities said no one suffered any severe injuries from the fire.
Firefighters were still investigating the cause of the fire on Tuesday.
Editor’s note: When this story was first reported, Sanchez confirmed that 6 people were displaced as a result of Monday’s house fire. That number has since been changed to 19, according to Miami Fire Rescue.