A large warehouse fire erupted Thursday morning in northwest Miami-Dade, drawing a four-alarm response from fire crews and sending a towering column of black smoke into the sky.
The fire broke out at a warehouse located in the 20600 block of Northwest 47th Avenue. Miami-Dade Fire Rescue crews arrived on scene and shifted to a defensive posture, working to contain the blaze rather than enter the building.
Aerial views from above the scene showed the structure fully engulfed in flames, with thick black smoke rising high into the air. Winds were pushing the smoke westward, carrying it over a nearby landfill and out toward the Everglades.
Firefighters attacked the fire from multiple angles, directing water streams onto the building from the exterior. Miramar Fire Rescue units were also called in to assist Miami-Dade crews, though officials confirmed no properties in Miramar were at risk.
Miami Gardens Police Chief Delma Noel-Pratt said her department was helping close off Northwest 47th Avenue to allow fire crews unobstructed access to the scene.
Miami-Dade Fire Rescue issued a public advisory warning residents in the surrounding area about the air quality impact from the smoke. Officials urged people to remain indoors, keep windows and doors shut, and run air conditioning units on recirculate mode to avoid drawing in outside air.
“As a result of the fire, the area is experiencing smoky conditions, which can affect those with respiratory issues,” fire rescue officials stated.
As a precaution, students at Dr. Frederica S. Wilson/Skyway Elementary School, located near the scene, were kept inside the building during the response.
There were no immediate reports of injuries. The cause of the fire had not been determined as of early Thursday afternoon. Residents were asked to avoid the area while crews continued their work.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.