Massive fire erupts at Miami apartments as multiple residents are rushed to hospitals and cops find man SHOT inside building

An apartment building in Miami has been forced to evacuate after a massive fire broke out on Monday morning, with first responders finding a man shot.

The fire started around 8:15 a.m. at the Temple Court Apartments. When crews arrived, they found a man who had been shot in the abdomen on the third floor. 

People who live in the building said they heard explosions as they made their way to safety. Officials said they believe the shooting is not connected to the fire.

The victim was transported to Jackson Memorial Hospital's Ryder Trauma Center in critical condition.

Miami Fire Rescue said that when they arrived they found heavy smoke and flames coming from a third-floor window of the building. The four story building has more than 30 units and is near downtown Miami.

All firefighters have been pulled from the building and are attempting to put out the fire from outside, a more 'defensive' approach as the fire is too dangerous to put out from the inside, according to Miami Fire Rescue Lt. Pete Sanchez.

At least 30 people have been saved from the fire, most of them elderly.

Residents are being rescued from their balconies while others are being evacuated by ground.

'Right now we are just trying to get better control so it doesn't spread to any of the other buildings,' said Miami Fire Rescue Captain Ignatius Carroll. 

'It's a very stubborn fire that is spreading throughout the building which obviously makes it very difficult to reach when you're doing a defensive attack. 

'What's happening is that the fire is spreading into areas that are not being addressed by any water or fire hoses.' 

He said the building, which has a lot of wood infrastructure, has a common attic which allows the fire to spread. More than 30 crews were called in to help battle the blaze.

Carroll said the sides of the building are hard to maneuver so it was difficult getting their trucks into the best position to put out the fire.

A cooling station was set up nearby to help the fire crews. Two firefighters were taken to the hospital for heat exhaustion but are in stable condition.

A safety advisory has been issued by the Miami Police Department asking people to 'refrain from entering or remaining in the vicinity of Lumus Park to prevent any potential harm caused by a nearby apartment fire.'

This is first 3-alarm fire for city in 25 years, according to Miami Mayor Francis Suarez said during a press conference.

Residents have been moved to Jose Marti Park, where they will be given food and other essentials.