A fire broke out inside a fourth-floor apartment in Miami early Tuesday, sending heavy smoke through the hallways of the building at Northwest 53rd Avenue and Northwest 7th Street. Miami Fire Rescue said crews were called around 2:30 a.m. after reports of smoke coming from the unit.
When firefighters reached the fourth floor, they found heavy smoke filling the hallway and visibility low. Fire officials said Unit 410 had heavy smoke and flames coming from inside. The blaze was upgraded because many people live in the building, including bed-bound residents, elderly residents and people who use wheelchairs.
Two residents were taken to a hospital to be treated for smoke inhalation. Crews needed between 30 and 40 minutes to bring the fire under control.
Officials said the building has 52 units, 12 of them on the fourth floor, and eight of those were occupied at the time. Miami Fire Rescue said 15 residents were displaced. The cause of the fire is under investigation.