A Miami-Dade firefighter was taken to the hospital with minor injuries after battling a fire at a public storage facility in Miami Gardens over the weekend. The incident occurred in the 17500 block of Northwest 2nd Avenue, where heavy smoke was seen billowing out of the building as firefighters worked to contain the blaze.
The Miami-Dade Fire Rescue team responded to the scene around 10 a.m. and encountered numerous challenges due to the layout of the two-story building and the large number of storage units inside. Division Chief Michael Eng mentioned that the various contents of the units posed a risk of dangerous smoke conditions, making it difficult for firefighters to access the source of the fire.
In total, more than 35 fire units were dispatched to the scene, with ladder trucks being used to reach the roof and create openings for ventilation. Despite the complexities of the situation, the fire was eventually brought under control, and crews remained on-site to monitor for any potential hot spots.
One firefighter sustained minor injuries during the operation and was transported to a local hospital for treatment. Prior to the arrival of the fire department, Perry Hilton, a storage facility customer, noticed the smoke and attempted to extinguish the flames himself before evacuating the building.
Hilton recounted his experience of witnessing the fire and the devastating loss of personal belongings stored in his unit. Despite the material possessions being destroyed, Hilton expressed gratitude for ensuring the safety of everyone present by alerting them to the danger and prompting an evacuation.
As the investigation into the cause of the fire continues, the storage facility remains closed, with staff members anticipating a possible reopening by Monday. The community is reminded of the importance of fire safety measures and the swift action taken by individuals like Perry Hilton to prioritize human life over material possessions in times of crisis.