13 families displaced by Little Havana apartment fire

Smoke alarm credited with saving lives of those inside

MIAMI ā€“ A fire at a Little Havana apartment building Sunday morning displaced 13 families.

The fire took place about 4:25 a.m. in a third-floor apartment unit at 2046 West Flagler St.Ā 

Thirteen families were displaced by the fire, according to the American Red Cross.Ā 

A man and a woman who live in the apartment woke up to the sound of their smoke alarm sounding, Miami Department of Fire-Rescue Capt. Ignatius Carroll said.Ā 

"The smoke alarm going off actually saved their lives, helping them to get out," Carroll said.Ā 

The fire did not spread to any other units, but the entire floor was evacuated because of smoke damage.

No one was allowed on the third floor of the building while fire officials investigated.

A majority of the 13 displaced families were assisted by the Red Cross. The families have been given prepaid credit cards to use on hotel rooms, food, new clothes and other immediate needs.Ā 

"We recommend that they go to families and friends," American Red Cross volunteer Roberto Baltodano said. "These are times that they need to be close to loved ones, but they can decide."

The cause of the fire is under investigation.


About the Authors

Liane Morejon is an Emmy-winning reporter who joined the Local 10 News family in January 2010. Born and raised in Coral Gables, Liane has a unique perspective on covering news in her own backyard.

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