1 dead in large apartment fire in Northwest Miami-Dade, deputies say
An investigation is underway in Northwest Miami-Dade after officials said one person was killed in a blaze that broke out inside an apartment building early Monday morning.
According to the Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office, deputies responded to reports of a fire that broke out in the area of Northwest 14th Avenue and Northwest 103rd Street just before 6:30 a.m.
When Miami-Dade Fire Rescue units and deputies arrived at the scene, they said they found the third floor of the building was fully engulfed.
Video from the scene showed flames coming from the building, and thick smoke billowing into the sky.
Deputies immediately began to evacuate residents on both the east and west sides of the building, and fire crews got to work trying to extinguish the blaze.
According to the sheriff's office, fire crews located an unidentified person dead inside an apartment.
"Our arson investigators and homicide detectives are on the scene trying to determine exactly what occurred at this apartment and if there was anything criminal in nature," said Det. Danny Castillo of the Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office.
Castillo also said that it is unclear how long residents will be displaced.
"That's why homicide detectives and arson investigators are here, along with Fire Rescue, to make sure the integrity of the building has not been compromised and residents can safely return to their apartments," he said.
Castillo noted that the Sheriff's Office is seeking public assistance.
"If anybody witnesses anything or has any information about how this fire occurred, please give us a call," he said. "We always welcome help from the public, and at the end of the day, if you see something, say something."
Anyone with information should contact the Sheriff's Office or Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-8477.
Separately, some residents told CBS News Miami off-camera that they have not received information regarding when they can return to their homes and declined to speak on camera.