A fire and explosion possibly sparked by a lit cigarette in Liberty City left a man fighting for his life on Tuesday night, authorities said.
Miami Fire Rescue was called to a two-story, multi-family building on fire at 7:08 p.m. at 1377 Northwest 40th Street.
Firefighters found heavy smoke coming from the first floor, authorities said. They deployed hose lines and went inside the structure to fight the flames while additional crews searched for victims.
Fire rescue said a Miami Police officer had already gone inside the residence and rescued one 36-year-old man, who suffered third-degree burns over more than 90% of his body.
He was rushed to Jackson Memorial Hospital’s Ryder Trauma Center in critical condition.
“Our preliminary investigation leads us to believe that the patient had a gas can in his room and may have lit a cigarette causing a combustion/explosion,” fire rescue said.
Three other people were displaced. The American Red Cross was notified to assist those residents, fire rescue said.
During the firefight, crews were also able to save a dog from the burning structure.
Fire rescue said the fire was brought under control in about 20 minutes and all other occupants were successfully evacuated and accounted for.
All, including the dog, were able to go back inside the building to the second floor.
Images of the aftermath show walls burned black and rooms and belongings destroyed.
“This incident is an example of what can go wrong,” fire rescue said. Authorities are now urging the public to not keep gas cans anywhere inside their homes and not use lighters or matches near any fumes.
The investigation continues.
