Miami Family Burned Out Of Duplex

MIAMI (CBSMiami) - Two Miami families will have to find a new place to live, at least temporarily, after a fire severely damaged their duplex.

The fire, which occurred around 8 a.m. Monday, broke out in the upstairs unit of the residence at 1287 NW 59th Street.

Arriving firefighters saw heavy flames and thick black smoke coming from a second floor bedroom window and a number of people running outside to get away from the fast-moving fire.

Firefighters were able to keep the fire contained to a bedroom. Family members said there was something odd going on when they woke to the smell of smoke.

"In speaking to the family members, they said that the 18-year old's room was on fire, they saw him standing in the doorway but they were not sure why he was standing there," said Miami Fire Rescue spokesman Lt. Ignatius Carroll. "They were able to get everybody out of the house safely and right now our fire investigators are looking into the cause of the fire."

The family who lives on the upper floor, four adults, the 18-year old and three children, have been displaced along with the eight members of the family who live in the first floor unit. The American Red Cross is providing assistance.

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