MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. --
Two small children were rescued from a burning home on Monday in a fire that left 14 people homeless.
Related Content: Images | Video |
|
"There were 14 people in this house -- six juveniles and eight adults. They're very lucky to be alive today," said Lt. Eddie Ballester of Miami-Dade Fire Rescue.
Fire officials said it appeared that everyone panicked and rushed out of the house on Northwest 178th Drive and 42nd Court, accidentally leaving a 5-month-old and 2-month-old inside.
"Obviously an infant cannot fend for themselves. They're not able to just walk away," Ballester said.
Firefighters rescued the children from the home and treated them at the scene. No one was seriously injured.
The cause of the fire is under investigation. Officials said it appears that the blaze started in the back of the house.
"We urge everyone to have smoke detectors in the house," Ballester said. "Make sure you establish an emergency plan to exit the home."
The Red Cross is assisting the family with shelter, food and clothes.