The Miami Fire Department is battling a massive fire after an apartment building burst into flames Monday morning.
According to Miami Fire Information Officer Iggy Carroll, the fire broke out around 8:15 a.m. Monday at the Temple Court Apartments at 431 NW 3rd.rd Street.
According to the temple administration, one of their employees was also found shot.
He was taken to Jackson Memorial Hospital in critical condition, Miami police said. At this time, police do not know if the injuries were self-inflicted or if a suspect is involved.
« We are still determining the cause of these incidents and we are checking for other injuries. The police are investigating and we will assist in any way we can, » the Temple Court administration said in a statement. « We are saddened by everything that happened today and our thoughts and prayers are with our board member and his family and the residents of the Temple Court community. »
Two firefighters were treated for heat exhaustion and all firefighters were pulled from the building to tackle the fire from the outside.
Officials said the fire broke out on the third floor and many patients were there.
The Miami Police Department has issued a safety advisory asking people to « avoid entering or staying near Lummus Park to prevent possible harm from the fire at nearby apartments. »
Miami Mayor Francis Suarez spoke outside the apartment building Monday, saying residents would be moved to nearby Jose Marti Park and provided with food and care.
According to Miami Fire, several residents were elderly and immobile and were rescued from their balconies.
Some residents were transported, while others were treated at the scene, officials said.
A resident spoke with NBC6 and said she was with her mother, her dogs and her cats, and that they had smoked Monday morning.
Around 11 a.m. NBC6 told them they evacuated their apartment and were asked to cross the street, not knowing where to go or what to do.
Temple Court Apartments is made up of one bedroom and studio units near the Miami River.
Smoke from the fire is drifting over Interstate 95 and much of downtown Miami.
Officials have not released additional information about how the fire started.
This is a growing story. Check with NBC6 for updates.
