Abandoned warehouse bursts into massive fire in Miami, officials say, sending massive plumes of smoke into air
An abandoned warehouse burst into flames, sending massive plumes of smoke into the air above Miami on Friday morning.
According to City of Miami Fire Rescue, crews are battling the large fire at the Little River Building Home Supply at 7737 NE 2nd Ave. The fire call came in around 6:06 a.m.
When firefighters entered the burning building, they found no one inside; however, Miami Fire Rescue Lt. Pete Sanchez told CBS News Miami that about 10 minutes into battling the blaze, they had to pull firefighters out because of concerns regarding its structural integrity and the risk of a localized collapse.
Miami Fire Rescue said one firefighter was taken to the hospital with heat exhaustion and a back injury, but is said to be in stable condition.
Sanchez told CBS News Miami that everyone should avoid the area of Northeast 2nd Avenue between 75th and 82nd Streets, and to drive safely around the area as crews continue fighting the fire. Additionally, he said that residents who live nearby should keep their windows and balconies closed to prevent smoke from entering their homes.
Reza Haghayezh, who operated his building supply company out of the building for 45 years before selling it just two years ago, said he was devastated to see it go up in flames.
"A lot of memories," he told CBS News Miami.
Haghayezh said that while the building was vacant, he believes people could have been living inside.
"They bought it, and they said they're going to put apartment buildings in it. They never did anything with it at all," he said. "And when we go by here, we see a lot of people going inside there. I guess some were living in it. I don't know what was going on."
When firefighters arrived early Friday morning to put out the flames, that's when Gustave Chellesca came out of his home and saw everything happening right next door.
"When I just came outside, I saw smoke everywhere," he told CBS News Miami. "I'm scared because this fire is close to me."
The fire has since been under control, and fire officials are now investigating the cause.
