Three Injured After Underground Fire Spreads to Lincoln Road Building in Miami Beach

Three people were injured after an underground fire spread to a commercial building on Lincoln Road in Miami Beach, prompting an emergency response, building evacuation, and power shutdown in the surrounding area, according to the Miami Beach Fire Department.

Fire officials said the blaze originated in a manhole before spreading to an adjacent building through an underground electrical vault.

What We Know About the Fire

According to the Miami Beach Fire Department, crews responded to a fire on July 13, 2026, near 230 Lincoln Road in Miami Beach.

Investigators reported that:

• The fire originated in a manhole beneath the roadway.
• Flames spread and ignited an FPL electrical vault serving an adjacent building.
• The affected building was evacuated as firefighters worked to contain the fire.
• Florida Power & Light shut off electricity to the surrounding area to assist emergency crews and ensure public safety.
• Three people sustained minor injuries and were transported to Mount Sinai Medical Center for evaluation and treatment.

Authorities temporarily closed portions of Collins Avenue between 16th and 17th Streets while firefighters and utility crews responded.

Investigation Underway

Officials are continuing to investigate what caused the underground fire.

Investigators will likely examine several factors, including:

• The condition of underground electrical equipment.
• Whether an electrical malfunction occurred.
• Damage to the utility infrastructure.
• Fire patterns within the manhole and electrical vault.
• Maintenance records and inspections.
• Witness statements.

At this time, authorities have not announced the cause of the fire.

Underground Utility Fires Can Create Significant Hazards

Underground electrical vault and manhole fires can pose serious risks because they may spread beneath streets and buildings before becoming visible.

These incidents can result in:

• Building evacuations.
• Power outages.
• Smoke infiltration.
• Fire damage to nearby structures.
• Injuries to occupants or first responders.

Utility companies and fire departments often work together to safely de-energize electrical systems before suppression efforts continue.

Potential Legal Options Following a Building Fire

The cause of this fire has not yet been determined, and it is too early to conclude whether negligence played a role.

Depending on the outcome of the investigation, individuals who were injured or property owners who suffered losses may have legal options if another party’s negligence contributed to the incident.

Potential claims may involve:

• Utility companies if negligent maintenance or equipment failures are found to have contributed to the fire.
• Property owners or managers if unsafe conditions played a role.
• Contractors or third parties responsible for utility or construction work.
• Manufacturers if defective electrical equipment contributed to the incident.

Depending on the circumstances, injured individuals may be entitled to seek compensation for:

• Emergency medical treatment.
• Hospital and rehabilitation expenses.
• Lost wages.
• Pain and suffering.
• Future medical care.
• Property damage and business interruption losses, where applicable.

If future investigations reveal additional victims or more serious injuries, the available legal remedies may expand based on the facts established.

Preserving Evidence After a Fire

Determining the cause of a commercial fire often requires extensive investigation and documentation.

Important evidence may include:

• Fire department investigation reports.
• Utility company inspection records.
• Photographs and videos of the scene.
• Surveillance camera footage.
• Electrical equipment analysis.
• Witness statements.
• Building maintenance records.

Preserving this evidence can be essential when evaluating insurance claims and potential civil litigation.

Investigation Continues

The Miami Beach Fire Department and other appropriate agencies continue to investigate the underground fire and resulting building damage.

Additional information regarding the cause of the incident may be released as the investigation progresses.

While authorities reported only minor injuries, fires involving commercial buildings and underground utility infrastructure can place many people at risk. We wish those who were injured a speedy recovery and hope businesses and residents affected by the incident can safely return once the area has been secured.