Miami Police have opened an arson investigation after a dumpster fire in Little Havana caused power outages and affected local businesses during the festive season's swell. The incident occurred early Tuesday morning near the 5200 block of Northwest 181st Terrace, with surveillance footage capturing a man interacting with the dumpster shortly before the fire started, according to Local 10 News.
As a result of the blaze, electricity was disrupted to businesses, hampering operations at a critical financial juncture. "This is the busiest time of the year for us,” the mother of Priscilla's Beauty salon's owner Belkis Peguero said in a statement obtained by Local 10 News, noting the impactful consequence on their family-owned enterprise. The FBI has reportedly joined the efforts to restore power in the affected locales.
Further details from the NBC Miami coverage revealed that the incident took place on the 700 block of Southwest 8th Street and was reported before 6 a.m. A video shows the arson suspect at work, igniting the dumpster before departing the scene. Miami Fire Rescue teams responded swiftly to extinguish the flames.
No injuries were announced following the incident that left two businesses without power. Police are asking anyone with information to come forward and contact Miami police or engage Crime Stoppers anonymously by calling 305-471-8477. The search for the suspect is ongoing.
