Fire erupts at abandoned church in Miami

MIAMI – Authorities are investigating the cause of a fire that erupted early Thursday morning at an abandoned church in Miami.

According to City of Miami Department of Fire-Rescue Lt. Pete Sanchez, the fire was reported at 2:50 a.m. at Good News Little River Church, located at 495 NW 79th St.

“On arrival, crews encountered an abandoned church with heavy smoke billowing from the windows,” Sanchez said in an email to Local 10 News. “Immediately, the incident was upgraded to a Code 1 working fire dispatching additional resources.”

According to Sanchez, firefighters went inside the church to battle the flames and simultaneously search for any victims.

He said no one was found inside the building.

“Challenges were faced due to compromised floors and limited roof access, however the fire was contained to the church and extension to the attached school was prevented,” Sanchez said.

According to Sanchez, the fire was under control within 45 minutes.

He said two firefighters were evaluated at the scene for heat exhaustion.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.