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Miami Market Fire May Have Been Arson

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MIAMI (CBSMiami) - Miami Fire Rescue is investigating a fire at a neighborhood market as a possible case of arson.

The fire broke out overnight at the 62nd Street Market Pep-la on North Miami Avenue in Little Haiti. Firefighters say it started at the rear entrance of the business and spread.

"When they arrived they could see a lot of smoke coming towards this door. We want to find out if the door where the glass was broken was broken as a result of the fire or was it actually broken into. A lot of them actually believe that the glass was already shattered but the police and the fire department are here, as well as the state fire Marshall who will be conducting the investigation," said Miami Fire Rescue Capt. Ignatius Carroll.

Rafael Contreras, who owns the store, was at a loss for words as to why someone would attack it.

"This is a neighborhood store so we don't have any enemies, we've been here for five, seven years," he said.

Tuesday's fire was not the store's first.

"After the fire crews were able to bring the fire under control some of the members remember this building from about a week ago when there was a fire close to the ice machine. Now we're going to look at the surveillance to see if they're related, or if this business is being targeted, or if these are random acts," said Carroll.

No injuries were reported and the fire did not damage the surrounding buildings. People who live in the area said it was a shame and they would have to shop elsewhere until the store reopens.

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