Miami Beach Police are investigating a fire that shutdown a portion of Collins Avenue on Wednesday. The fire sent neighbors running from the flames.
It took over 835 Collins Avenue, and the road was closed between 8th and 9th for hours after the Miami Beach Fire Department was called to the Lily Leon Hotel just after 6 p.m.
Tourist Petina Manchester had just checked into the hotel and was about to shower when the fire started in her room. She said flames from the air conditioning unit forced her to run.
"I threw clothes on, put everything in my suitcase, came out and shouted fire," Manchester explained.
It was chaos on Collins. One woman was at a hotel across the street, setting up for an animal fundraiser.
"Sitting, preparing and I hear the bartender yelling Lily," said Amy Roman. She grabbed her cellphone and shot video of what was before her eyes.
Another woman, who was also staying at the Lily with friends, said she saw the flames from a distance.
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"We were at the beach, looked over and saw a large black smoke cloud," Francesca Pagano said.
Fire crews were able to contain the blaze quickly. The cause is under investigation.
No injuries were reported.
