MIAMI – Miami firefighters responded to a duplex Monday night after receiving reports about a fire and found an elderly woman trapped on the balcony.
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According to City of Miami Department of Fire-Rescue Lt. Pete Sanchez, the fire was reported at 10:24 p.m. in the 800 block of Southwest 14th Avenue.
“Upon arrival, crews discovered a two-story duplex with heavy smoke and flames coming from the balcony, and a resident was heard yelling for help,” Sanchez said in an email to Local 10 News. “The incident was immediately upgraded to a Code 1 working fire, prompting the dispatch of additional resources.”
According to Sanchez, firefighters used a ladder to rescue the victim, while other crews battled the flames.
In addition to the woman on the balcony, two dogs were rescued and were administered oxygen, he said.
Sanchez said the fire was brought under control within 10 minutes and surrounding areas were protected from smoke and fire damage.
The victim was transported to a hospital to be treated for smoke inhalation and is in stable condition.
Sanchez confirmed that two cats did not survive due to smoke inhalation, and several birds are missing.
The American Red Cross will assist the displaced resident.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.