MIAMI – A massive fire broke out at a four-story apartment complex in Miami on Monday morning, leaving over 40 residents displaced, authorities confirmed.
Miami Fire Rescue said they responded to the fire at Temple Court apartments, located just west of Interstate 95 near downtown Miami after receiving calls about a fire around 8:15 a.m., and began rescuing residents from the building’s balconies.
City of Miami Mayor Francis Suarez told reporters at a press conference that authorities also found a man with gunshot wounds at the scene.
Atlantic Housing Management, the company that manages Temple Court apartments, said in a statement that the man who was shot was one of their employees.
Authorities confirmed the shooting victim was taken to a nearby hospital, where he remains in critical condition. Officials said the shooting is part of an active investigation and called it an “isolated incident.” The man has not been identified by police.
Suarez also said three firefighters were also taken to a hospital due to heat exhaustion. One resident is being treated for smoke inhalation.
Sky 10 flew over the scene where flames rose from the building along with large plumes of smoke several hours after the fire started. At least two ladder trucks were pouring water and foam onto the building.
Those who managed to escape the inferno are now seeking refuge and reconnecting with loved ones.
A Local 10 News crew witnessed several Miami trolleys bringing displaced residents, some accompanied by pets, from the affected building. Most of the residents, predominantly over 60 years old arrived with just the clothes on their backs.
This facility is part of the broader Jose Marti Park Complex.
While typically a place for community members to engage in physical activity, it is closed to the public as it opens its doors to those displaced by the fire, providing much-needed assistance.
The initial arrivals at the gym had little to say about the traumatic events of the morning.
One woman expressed her sadness and told Local 10 News that no one close to her lives nearby. She, among dozens of others, was evacuated and directed to nearby Lomas Park as their residences were destroyed by the flames.
The Red Cross, in collaboration with Miami Mayor Francis Suarez, swiftly mobilized to welcome the displaced individuals at the Jose Marti gym, providing warm meals, and essential medications and coordinating temporary housing solutions.
“Some of them are gonna need her medication. They obviously are hungry so they’re gonna need food. The situation was unplanned for so we need to house them immediately until hopefully the family members, but we can find them other permanent housing,” said Suarez.
Red Cross workers were tirelessly working to support the residents, bringing in food and setting up facilities to address their immediate needs.
Miami Commissioner Manolo Reyes announced that each individual entering the facility will receive a $250 gift card for food and essential toiletries. The immediate needs of these residents are being addressed as they grapple with the aftermath of the fire.
In addition to the provisions offered, residents will be able to spend the night at the facility if necessary.
“Of the 43 people who are here, who likely will spend the night here, the management company has rented a hotel room for all of them for the next two weeks,” said Suarez. “We are going to work with our county and federal partners to find them permanent housing because the building so far is uninhabitable.”
Local 10 News spoke with Joel Enrique who said he was able to evacuate the burning building with his cat, Rufus. and introduces his 3-month-old cat, Rufus.
“That’s all I could think of trying to do was to get out my mom and my cat just trying to get out,” said Enrique. “A bunch of firefighters came in through the apartment and then took us down through the stairs that wasn’t covered in smoke.”
“Firefighters evacuated me, my mom, my stepdad and my stepdad’s mom. During the middle of the fire, I heard a small bang and I’m assuming one of the structures came down, so I got desperate and screamed and said, “Hey, we’re still up here. Come on! It was horrifying.”
Lt. Pete Sanchez, a spokesperson for Miami Fire Rescue released a statement Monday night that stated, in part: “At this time, The Miami Fire Investigation Unit, Miami Police, and The State Fire Marshal’s office shall now proceed with their investigation. The incident took eight hours to control, and two units will remain on the scene overnight extinguishing spot fires that may occur. The American Red Cross is assisting displaced residents due to the extent of damage to the building.”
For more information on how you can help the displaced residents, click here.
Watch Suarez’s press conference here: