By David Goodhue
Miami Herald
MIAMI — A city of Miami firefighter was hospitalized Monday night after falling through the floor of a building that he and his colleagues were clearing while extinguishing a fire, the department said.
Firefighters began battling the blaze at 1348 NW First Avenue around 6:50 p.m., finding heavy smoke and flames on all three levels, said Lt. Pete Sanchez, with Miami Fire Rescue.
As multiple units worked to put down the flames, other firefighters were checking the building, which is under renovation, for people, Sanchez said.
About 20 minutes into the operation, one of the firefighters fell through the second floor, prompting a “Mayday” call, said Sanchez.
His colleagues rescued and took him to the hospital, where, as of Monday night, he was listed in stable condition, according to the department.
“At this point, the incident was upgraded to a second alarm, dispatching even more units,” Sanchez said. “Aerial ladders began flowing water onto the roof, and within two hours, the fire was brought under control.”
Sanchez said another firefighter was also hospitalized to be treated for second-degree burns to the ear and forearm.
“The building, which was under renovation, was unoccupied at the time of the fire, and no other injuries were reported,” Sanchez said.
The Miami Fire Investigation Unit is looking into the cause of the fire, and the Miami Building Department has been requested to evaluate the structural integrity of the building, said Sanchez.
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