Fire sparks at Miami strip mall

Several stores damaged in shopping center at West Flagler Street, 67th Avenue

MIAMI – At least five stores were damaged as fire ripped through a strip mall in Miami early Thursday.

The stores at West Flagler Street and 67th Avenue had smoke and water damage. Firefighters had to cut through the roof of the strip mall in order to get the flames under control.

Witnesses said they heard an explosion before flames started shooting out of the strip mall.

"My customer called me and said everything is on fire. Everything is damaged," said Acucena Jacome, who told Local 10's Ben Kennedy she does not have insurance.

One firefighter was on the roof when part of it collapsed. He started to fall through, but fellow firefighters were able to pull him to safety.

No injuries were reported.


About the Authors:

Elsa Bolt is a South Florida native and an Emmy Award Winning Executive News Producer. After graduating Summa Cum Laude from the University of Miami in 2008, she entered the news industry and has spent most of her career with Local 10 News.