A blaze on Monday afternoon severely damaged part of "La Esquina de la Fama" restaurant, a cherished hotspot on Little Havana's Calle Ocho in Miami. The fire inflicted significant structural harm to the establishment, which has been a local favorite for 14 years, necessitating an evacuation of all staff. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported, but the material losses were substantial. Local reports stated that the fire began around 4:00 p.m. at 1442 Southwest 8th Street. Aerial footage broadcasted on news outlets depicted a thick column of black smoke emanating from the building, as a total of 16 fire and rescue units battled to contain the flames.
"We had just started work, and about 20 minutes later, it happened," recounted Alejandra Ruiz, an employee of the restaurant, during an interview with Telemundo 51. Another witness told CBS News that the fire appeared to have started in the storage area, saying, "We went in and saw smoke and sparks of flames." Initial reports suggest the fire may have originated in an office, but the official cause remains under investigation.
Swift Evacuation and Emergency Response
During the incident, the restaurant was devoid of patrons, yet several employees were present. According to WSVN, approximately a dozen workers were on-site, caught in the middle of a shift change. Thankfully, everyone evacuated without harm. "We only had time to grab our belongings and call 911; we really don't know what happened. It was very sudden," Ruiz shared with WSVN.
Lieutenant Pete Sánchez, spokesperson for the Miami Fire Department, described arriving at the scene to find flames and smoke at both the rear and front of the building. Firefighters launched a simultaneous attack and utilized ladders to ventilate the roof, which was also affected by the blaze.
Significant Damage and Loss
Although the firefighting teams managed to control the fire in around 20 minutes, the destruction was extensive. A portion of the restaurant's roof collapsed, and various equipment, such as refrigerators, sound systems, and televisions, were completely ruined. "The place is destroyed," stated Juan López, another employee, in a conversation with Telemundo 51. Owner Miky Chevalier was even more emphatic: "Almost everything is destroyed, there's a lot of smoke, it's a huge fire. I've lost so much."
CBS News reported that the incident was classified as a "Code 1" fire, prompting additional personnel to be dispatched to the location. Furthermore, the Miami Police Department temporarily closed SW 8th Street to traffic between 12th and 17th Avenues as a precautionary measure.
A Legacy of Community and Resilience
Established 14 years ago by Miky Chevalier's family, "La Esquina de la Fama" has become a landmark of Latin culture in Miami, known for its vibrant mix of food, music, and community pride, attracting both locals and tourists alike. "People come from all over the world to enjoy what we offer here, with live music and everything you need," Chevalier told WSVN.
In his statements, the entrepreneur not only mourned the material losses but also the impact on those who rely on the restaurant: "I feel very sorry, not just for me and my family, because that's how I support my family, but also for my employees." Despite the setback, the owner remains optimistic. "Thank God, we will rebuild," he stated on CBS News. Speaking to WSVN, he was more determined: "I promise I will reopen La Esquina De La Fama, I'll do it again."
Frequently Asked Questions about the Miami Restaurant Fire
What caused the fire at "La Esquina de la Fama" in Miami?
The official cause of the fire is still under investigation, but initial reports suggest it may have started in an office area.
Were there any casualties during the fire?
Fortunately, there were no injuries reported among the employees or first responders.
How did the Miami authorities respond to the fire?
Miami Fire Department deployed 16 units to manage the fire, while the Miami Police temporarily closed nearby streets as a safety measure.