July 18th, 2025
Early Friday morning, May 30th, there was a fire at a vacant Miami warehouse formerly known as the Little River Building and Home Supplies, located at NE 2nd Avenue and 78th Street. Firefighters arrived on the scene within minutes of the call, upgrading it to a Code One working fire. They initially entered the building to fight the blaze and search for any occupants. As the fire grew more intense and concerns increased over a possible structural collapse, crews transitioned to an exterior attack utilizing aerial units and hose lines. The fire took several hours to control. Firefighters avoided civilian injuries, but they took one of their own to the hospital for heat exhaustion and a back injury. Authorities closed neighboring roads until they determined the area was safe, and they urged nearby residents to keep all doors and windows shut.
Authorities knew that individuals had lived inside the warehouse, which had sat vacant for two years. The building, constructed primarily of wood framing, was aging, and the deteriorating roof eventually collapsed during the fire. Investigators are working to determine the cause of the fire, and officials have not released any statements yet. The last known occupant of the building was a supply company that stored lumber and other construction materials. These types of materials in and around the building made it very difficult for rescuers to fight the fire. Automatic sprinkles were not provided in the building.
How Risk Logic Can Help Your Business
Risk Logic helps warehouse owners identify potential risks and protect their buildings through effective loss prevention measures. Vacant and idle properties are more vulnerable to fire hazards, underscoring the importance of maintaining operational sprinkler systems. Contact RLI to assess your risks and develop a customized fire protection strategy tailored to your facility.
