A predawn apartment fire on Miami Beach has been linked to a charging scooter, according to city officials. The blaze, which occurred inside a unit at 5255 Collins Avenue, was contained by Miami Beach Firefighters after being reported around 4:50 a.m. today. "The fire was contained to the unit," city spokeswoman Lissi Hernandez said in a statement obtained by Local 10 News.
One person was present in the apartment when the incident took place and, following an evaluation by fire rescue units at the scene, did not require hospitalization. While the exact cause of the fire is still under investigation, a charging scooter is currently believed to be the culprits, based on information from officials. In addition to the resident of the affected apartment, other residents and their pets evacuated the building and waited outside until given clearance to return.
As emergency services responded, signs of the fire were visible from outside the building. "7Skyforce hovered above where smoke was seen coming the fourth floor of the building, the windows were shattered, and the walls were covered in black smoke," reported WSVN. The fire, which was contained to one apartment unit, resulted in no physical injuries to any of the building's occupants.
Electrical scooter have come under scrutiny for fire safety concerns. While this incident adds to the ongoing dialogue regarding the safety of such devices, Miami Beach officials and fire authorities will continue to probe the circumstances that led to this event. More information is expected to be released as the investigation proceeds.
