An apartment fire in Miami that sent a man to the hospital with severe burns all over his body broke out when a cigarette was lit in a bedroom where a gas can was being stored, officials said.
According to City of Miami Fire Rescue, the 36-year-olf victim in Tuesday night’s blaze has a long road to recovery after having suffered burns on 90% of his body.
Video shared with 7News by Miami Fire Rescue captured firefighters inside the burned-out unit along the 1300 block of Northwest 40th Street.
“When we arrived, we found a two-story structure, like a multi-family residential with heavy smoke billowing from the front door,” said Miami Fire Rescue Lt. Pete Sanchez.
Sanchez said a fast-acting Miami Police officers braved the fierce flames and got the victim out.
“[A] Miami Police officer arrived first on scene, and he was able to go inside, and he actually pulled the victim out and handed him to the arriving paramedics, and we were able to rush him to the hospital,” he said.
Paramedics rushed the patient to Ryder Trauma Center with critical injuries.
7News cameras later captured residents of the complex standing outside as the smoke and flames raged on. One neighbor was seen holding a dog after firefighters pulled it out to safety.
Crews were able to saved the upstairs portion of the building from being damaged, but the first-floor units were destroyed. Those who live in those units have been displaced, including the injured victim.
“Our fire investigators are on the scene. We’ve also called the state fire marshal, and we’ll be working with Miami Police as well to determine what it is that happened,” said Sanchez.
Wednesday morning, fire officials determined that the fire was accidental and likely ignited when the victim lit a cigarette in his bedroom near the gas can, causing a “combustion/explosion.”
Officials urge residents not to keep gas cans indoors. In a statement, Sanchez wrote, “Miami Fire Rescue pleads to the public to not keep gas cans anywhere inside their homes and do not use lighters or matches near any fumes. This incident is an example of what can go wrong. The investigation is ongoing.”
Back at the apartment building, a maintenance crew was seen at the first-floor unit where the fire started to see what they can repair.
The residents of the second-floor unit directly above the one where the fire ignited said they kept their windows and doors open and were able to sleep there overnight. They said they’re glad to be OK and are praying for the man currently fighting for his life.
Volunteers with the American Red Cross is now helping the three adults who have been impacted.
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Source: wsvn
