A family was forced out of their Miami duplex after a fire broke out inside the home early Wednesday. City of Miami Fire Rescue crews were called to the building on Northwest 50th Street and 15th Avenue, near Charles Hadley Park, just after 5:30 a.m.
A 76-year-old woman and her adult son were out walking their dogs when the fire started, according to 7News. When they returned, the duplex was engulfed in flames. Residents said they got the two other occupants out, but the family’s pet cat died in the fire.
The exterior of the home shows little damage, but the inside was badly damaged, the station reported. The family lost the medications the elderly woman takes for her cancer recovery and heart surgery, along with wallets, documents and other valuables.
The American Red Cross is helping the family with a place to stay for a few nights. After that, the family said, it is not sure where it will go. The son said he plans to pawn a ring so he can buy a phone to stay in touch with people.
Fire officials suspect an e-bike charging in the kitchen may have sparked the blaze. The investigation is ongoing.
