LITTLE HAVANA, Fla. (WSVN) -- Officials continue investigating the cause of a 3-alarm fire that destroyed several businesses in a local strip mall. Over 65 firefighters in 28 total units responded to the fire that ignited in the area of 1892 SW 8th St. on Sunday morning. Authorities say this is the sixth fire that has occurred within the last several months. However, this time investigators are trying to determine whether or not foul play contributed to the blaze. "We had a business owner at the Dollar Store who said he noticed something funny. There was a possible attempt of a break-in at a jewelry store right next to his business, but that jewelry store was locked," said Ignatius Carroll of Miami-Dade Fire Rescue. Business owners rushed to the scene once they heard word of the fire. The blaze destroyed a total of five businesses, including Cervantes Book Store -- the first Spanish book store in South Florida. "I have to get in touch with a lawyer to see how all this is going to work out," said Cervantes' owner German Martin, "otherwise, I'm going to be completely bankrupt. All my life, all of my money was in that store." Fire crews were able to extinguish the intense flames after about three hours, but not before the roof of the entire strip mall collapsed. Investigators are currently interviewing witnesses in order to determine who or what caused the blaze. "Right now, no one will be allowed to go inside the building until we are able to get inside and determine exactly what caused this fire," Carroll said. Specialists from the federal division of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF), as well as the City of Miami Department and the State Fire Marshall will be on hand Monday to help local authorities collect evidence and survey the area. No injuries were reported as a result of the fire. (Copyright 2006 by Sunbeam TV Corp. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.) |
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