A fire erupted today at Miami International Airport's Flamingo Garage, leading to damage to 12 vehicles. According to NBC Miami, Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Acting North District Chief Rogelio Vandamas disclosed that four cars initially caught fire, with another eight being affected by proximity. The inferno prompted significant smoke and required swift action by firefighting teams to prevent further chaos.
The incident was first reported near 11:35 a.m. on the second floor, where footage captured by Chopper 6 revealed, plumes of heavy smoke. In a statement obtained by NBC Miami, Vandamas said, "The fire was quickly placed under control, and there were no injuries." Firefighters on the scene determined that all vehicles involved were gasoline-powered, and an investigation into the fire's origin is underway.
While the fire was contained without physical harm to individuals, disruptions ensued for airport operations. The Flamingo Garage remained closed as crews worked through ventilation efforts to dissipate the smoke. Meanwhile, according to a Local 10 News report, the nearby Dolphin Garage, which had its entrance originally sealed off due to the incident, was later reopened.
The fire also briefly impacted the airport's infrastructure including the people mover train connecting MIA to the rental car center, though it was soon back in service. An MIA spokesperson emphasized to Local 10 News that, "The entrance to MIA's Dolphin garage is now open but the Flamingo garage remains closed." Moreover, the structural integrity of the Flamingo Garage will be assessed to ensure safety moving forward.
