Watch CBS News

Woman Injured In SW Dade House Fire

MIAMI (CBSMiami) - One woman was taken to the hospital after a gasoline fueled fire in her southwest Miami-Dade home.

The early morning fire gutted the home at 10471 SW 146th Street.

One of the woman's neighbors, Jaime Castillo, said the Carolina Ortiz was home with her three teen children when the fire broke out. He believes unattended candles started the fire and Ortiz was burned on her arms, torso and leg when she tried to put it out.

"The house caught on fire and I got everyone out," said Ortiz's 17-year old son Luis Varona.

CLICK HERE To Watch Natalia Zea's Report 

Miami-Dade Fire Rescue has not said what started fire but did confirm that containers of gasoline inside the home added to its growth and intensity.

"The fire crews went in the front door and as they got five to ten feet in they turned around and there was fire behind them because of the gasoline so they had to backout and do it again. One of the firefighters and the hoses caught on fire," said Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Lt. Doug Keller.

Castillo said he woke to the smell of smoke and thought the worst.

"I thought my house was on fire," said Castillo. "Thank God we're still alive."

Castillo said after checking out his home he realized that the smoke was actually coming from his neighbor's house.

"I was nervous, you know, that's the first time I've seen something like that," said Castillo. "I feel bad, that's really sad you know."

Another neighbor, Italo Ibarra, said when paramedics arrived Ortiz was rushed to an ambulance. He added that she looked like she was in bad shape.

"My mom is in surgery right now, but we're good," said Varona.

Ortiz was taken to Kendall Regional Medical Center where she's listed in critical condition.

RELATED CONTENT:

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.