MIAMI – The Miami Fire Investigations Unit is investigating the cause of a fire that erupted early Friday morning at a four-unit residential building.
According to City of Miami Fire-Rescue Lt. Pete Sanchez, the fire was reported just after 4 a.m. at 3020 NW 19th Avenue.
He said crews arrived to find heavy flames coming from the roof of the single-story, multi-unit building.
“Firefighters began an aggressive fire attack and conducted a search for victims which was deemed all clear,” Sanchez said in an email to Local 10 News. “The flames vented through the roof and all four units sustained damage.”
Sanchez said the fire was brought under control within 30 minutes.
(Video below is courtesy of City of Miami Fire-Rescue)
“All exposures that were surrounding this residence were protected because the flames and the heat were very intense,” he said.
No injuries were reported.
“I saw plywood in the front doors,” a resident in the area told Local 10 News’ Hannah Yechivi. “I guess they closed down the building, and after that, I went home and 3 in the morning, boom!”
The owner of the building told Local 10 News he had been dealing with squatters at the property and told them on Thursday that he planned to board up the doors and windows.
One day later, the property has been completely destroyed.
Both the origin and cause of the fire remain under investigation.
Firefighters said it is unclear at this time whether the fire was intentionally set.