FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – A home in Fort Lauderdale erupted in flames early Saturday morning, bringing out a large response from fire rescue personnel and it was all caught on camera.
It happened around 5 a.m. at a home near the 1100 block of Southeast 9th Street in the Rio Vista area of Fort Lauderdale.
Upon arrival, Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue crews said they were met with heavy fire conditions that had already spread to a fence line and neighbor’s vehicle.
Local 10 News obtained cellphone video from neighbors that showed bright orange flames surrounding the home as thick smoke from the fire billowed into the air.
Firefighters were seen placing tons of water on the home to get the fire under control.
FLFR officials said the homeowners were not home at the time of the fire and no one was injured.
A Local 10 News crew was at the scene for the aftermath of the fire where there was extensive damage to the roof, the garage area of the home and a nearby fence separating a neighbor’s home that was also badly burned.
Dan McCawley, who lives a block away from where the fire occurred, said the fire startled his 80-year-old mother-in-law, who lives in a neighboring home.
“My mother-in-law lives there (and) she’s 80 years old we got a phone call she says the house fire, so we start running for the house.”
McCawley says his mother in law’s car was damaged, but he is grateful she is safe.
“We were worried about her house catching fire. Her car was ruined,” he said.
FLFR crews said they were able to quickly bring the challenging fire under control. They also said the fire caused significant damage throughout the home.
Authorities said the cause of the fire is under current investigation.