Nearly 200 people fled their homes after a fire destroyed “approximately half” of an apartment building in Miami Gardens.

MIAMI GARDENS, Florida. (WSVN) — A fire emergency has emerged in Miami Gardens as intense flames engulfed dozens of apartments in an apartment building, forcing about 200 people to flee their homes.

Miami Gardens Police and Miami-Dade fire and rescue teams arrived at the scene of a fire at the New World Condominium in the 39500 block of Northwest 177th Street shortly before 10:30 a.m. Saturday.

“We are receiving numerous calls from people who are panicking in the building, it is not known where the smoke or fire is coming from,” the dispatcher said in radio communications.

Video shared by MDFR and 7News showed swirling dark smoke that was visible for miles.

A blanket of smoke covered dozens of apartments, and the fire quickly spread throughout the two-story building.

“I told my mom that I smelled smoke,” said Daniel, a young resident. She told us all to run downstairs.

“Flames were coming from the apartment next door and a lot of black smoke was rising,” said his mother, Cheri.

More than 40 divisions of the MDFR arrived at the scene. The fight against the fire lasted almost a day, and at some point part of the roof of the building collapsed.

Rescuers managed to stop the further spread of the flames and bring it under control.

In total, according to official figures, 75 units were affected.

“Roughly half were destroyed as a result of partial roof collapse, water damage, smoke and fire,” MDFR Fire Chief Ray Jadalla said.

Inspectors declared the building unsafe.

7News cameras filmed residents grabbing whatever they could from their homes.

Others waited to be allowed back inside.

“Everything we own is inside the building, so we’re slowly dealing with the loss,” Cheri said.

Local leaders such as Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levin Kawa were seen showing their support as the county, the city, and the American Red Cross offered some help.

“[We have been left with] the clothes we have on our backs,” Cheri said.

Affected families are now trying to figure out their next step, but they are grateful to be able to walk away with the most important thing.

“Our health and our life,” said Herring Chambers.

As of Saturday evening, there were no casualties.

The cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained.

The Red Cross has created a shelter for residents who have nowhere to go.

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