Family escaped Cutler Bay house fire, it could have been much worse
MIAMI - An investigation is underway into what sparked a house fire in Cutler Bay.
The homeowner said he woke up around 3:30 a.m. and smelled something that was not right. He said he started walking around the house and when he looked out a rear window he saw that his children's swing set, which was next to a gas line and meter, was engulfed in flames.
Miami-Dade Fire Rescue said when crews arrived at the home in the 19700 block of Belmont Drive they found flames and heavy smoke coming from the rear of the residence. The fire extended to a nearby gazebo.
Firefighters immediately attacked the flames and located the fire in the attic. They were able to extinguish it.
During the fire attack, firefighters discovered there was an active gas leak in the home. They were able to mitigate the leak and the gas company was notified.
Miami-Dade Fire Rescue said those who live in the home were able to get out safely. The family cat did not survive.
"This is pretty bad. The roof is, pretty much one section is completely gone. The whole living room is gone, full of water damage. All the toys of the kids and the things that made a home a home is gone, pictures, it's just a traumatic moment for a homeowner," said licensed public adjuster Freddy Garcia.
He walked the property hours after the fire. While devastating, he said it could have been much worse.
"It's dangerous. It's gas, it could have been a lot worse, luckily everybody is safe," said Garcia.