Miami apartment fire displaces residents
Miami apartment building blaze forces evacuation.
Accident – Death – Obituary News :
MIAMI (AP/WSVN) — A massive fire broke out at a four-story apartment complex in Miami on Monday morning, resulting in over 50 individuals being evacuated from the premises.
Emergency responders, including firefighters and police officers, swiftly reached the building just west of Interstate 95 near downtown Miami after receiving distress calls about a fire at approximately 8:15 a.m. Monday. Miami Mayor Francis Suarez addressed the media during a press briefing, mentioning that firefighters heroically rescued residents from the building’s balconies. The firefighting efforts were strategically carried out with teams surrounding the building and coordinating their attack from the west side while simultaneously evacuating residents from the east side.
“Approximately 126 firefighters, both men and women from the fire department, bravely battled this blaze for a duration of about eight hours,” Mayor Suarez disclosed.
Upon arrival, first responders also encountered a man with gunshot wounds at the scene. The injured individual was promptly transported to a nearby hospital where he remains in critical condition. Authorities have confirmed that the shooting incident is currently under active investigation.
Suspect Apprehended in Connection with Shooting
A suspect linked to the shooting, identified as 73-year-old Juan Francisco Figueroa, has been taken into custody and is facing serious felony charges, including possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and attempted felony murder.
During the course of the incident, three firefighters were transported to Jackson Memorial Hospital due to heat exhaustion. Thankfully, they are currently in stable condition. Lieutenant Pete Sanchez, a spokesperson with the City of Miami-Fire Rescue, confirmed that two of the firefighters have already been discharged. Additionally, at least one resident is receiving medical treatment for smoke inhalation.
The gunshot victim, later identified as 30-year-old Feder-One Biotte, remains in critical condition.
Atlantic Housing Management, the company responsible for managing Temple Court apartments, issued a statement expressing deep concern. The management company confirmed that one of their employees was found shot within the complex.
“We are currently investigating the cause of these tragic events and assessing for any other potential injuries. Law enforcement authorities are actively engaged in the investigation, and we are committed to providing assistance in any way possible,” the management company’s statement read. “Our hearts go out to our team member, his family, and the residents of the Temple Court community during this difficult time.”
Intense Firefighting Efforts
Aerial footage from 7Skyforce captured flames engulfing the building along with thick plumes of smoke billowing several hours after the fire initially ignited. Multiple ladder trucks were deployed to douse the building with water and foam in an attempt to contain the blaze.
The intensity of the fire necessitated a defensive approach by the firefighting crews, who worked from outside the building. The nearby Miami River served as a critical resource, enabling firefighters to access water to combat the flames effectively.
The apartment complex, comprising one-bedroom and studio units near the Miami River, suffered extensive damage as the flames ravaged the historic 1920s wood-framed structure, ultimately leading to the collapse of the roof.
“The building’s wood-frame construction contributed to the intensity of the fire,” explained Lt. Sanchez.
Recovery Efforts and Support for Displaced Residents
As evening approached, Lt. Sanchez reported that the fire was “under control and no longer spreading,” although efforts to fully extinguish the fire were ongoing.
Following the evacuation of residents, many of whom were elderly, they were relocated to a designated staging area at Jose Marti Park. There, individuals were provided with essential supplies, including food and medications. In total, more than 50 individuals were successfully evacuated by the firefighters.
Miami Fire Rescue and other volunteers mobilized to provide support to the displaced residents. Cots were set up at the park, underscoring an all-hands-on-deck approach to assist the dozens of individuals who lost their homes in the fire. Fortunately, every resident was safely accounted for.
“We have 43 individuals at Jose Marti Park, and the property management company has arranged for a hotel to accommodate all 43 residents for the next two weeks,” Mayor Suarez affirmed.
Members of Miami-Dade County Commissioner Keon Hardeman’s office also extended their support by delivering essential supplies to the displaced residents.
“Each care package includes blankets, water, and other necessities to provide comfort and relief to those who have endured a challenging day without shelter or warmth,” shared Mandy Brown from the commissioner’s office.
Recognizing the urgent need for additional housing, the American Red Cross has been activated to provide further assistance to the affected residents.
“Our primary goal is to secure permanent housing for the displaced individuals as swiftly as possible,” Mayor Suarez emphasised. “The emotional toll of losing personal belongings, concerns about pets, and the overall trauma experienced by the residents cannot be understated.”
Furthermore, the impact of the fire extended beyond the immediate vicinity, with smoke drifting over Interstate 95 and much of downtown Miami.
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