MIAMI (AP) – Miami fire officials say an apartment fire accidentally set by a child forced a mass evacuation.
Authorities say the fire started on the balcony of a fourth floor unit Wednesday evening. Fire captain Ignatius Carroll says it appears an 11-year old girl started the fire while she was sewing outside on the balcony and using matches to seal thread.
Just after 7 p.m. fire trucks rushed to the 60-unit apartment building where fire quickly spread through the apartment the girl was in with her mother, a 6-year old sister and her 15-year old brother.
Authorities say eight people were treated for smoke inhalation. All are expected to fine.
It is unclear how many of the building’s units were damaged.