Eight people are displaced after a second-floor apartment went up in flames in Little Havana, and officials said it could have all been prevented.
The chaos was captured on cell phone video from a man having coffee next door.
"The smoke was black and very strong, very heavy I can't breathe," the witness said.
The family who lived in the apartment stood by to watch as investigators moved in and out of their apartment to investigate.
City of Miami Fire Rescue says crews arrived to the smoke shooting out of the building in the 6000 block of SW 8th street around 6 pm.
The building's owners helplessly watched as crews worked. Firefighters said the flames were contained to one apartment.
But next door, nearly everything was left drenched with water.
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The family is now being assisted by the American Red Cross.
And business located downstairs in the building, some that have been there for 40 years, were left flooded, water seeping down from firefighters hoses above.
"Sadness, especially when you know folks here have been here for years," said one business owner. "And they're mom and pop shops and it gets ruined in one second like this, it's sad."
The good news is that there were no injuries.
But City of Miami Fire Rescue said the fire left 8 people without a place to live from a fire they say-- could've possibly been prevented. It's believed the fire was started by a candle.
The family is being assisted by the American Red Cross.
