Downtown Miami fire biggest in years

Takes out two abandoned buildings in Downtown Miami area

Two vacant and abandoned buildings caught fire on Valentine’s Day, causing one structure to collapse.

Photo courtesy of Joey Hood

Globe Fire Chief Gary Robinson said the fire started in the two-story residential building sometime around 7 p.m. and spread to its neighbor, a two-story apartment building, which collapsed during the fire.

The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Globe Fire Department.

Robinson said the fire grew rapidly because the buildings are very old, there is a lot of open space and no windows in portions of it. “In those conditions, a fire can grow very rapidly,” he said.

Although the cause of the fire is unknown at this time, there is concern in the community about vagrants building fire in abandoned buildings to stay warm. Robinson said if citizens notice people using abandoned buildings, they need to notify the proper authorities.

Twenty-five firefighters fought the fire, and there were no injuries to fire personnel or local citizens.