LAUDERHILL, Fla. – Authorities are investigating the cause of a fire inside an apartment building in Lauderhill, and say they believe it is suspicious.
Firefighters responded to the apartment complex in the 1800 block of Northwest 42nd Terrace just before 4 a.m. Friday.
There they say they discovered furniture on fire in the hallway of the fourth floor.
“There was furniture on fire in the hallway. Fortunately, there was no fire to any of the apartments, however, there was fire in the hallway, blocking the exit, (blocking) people from exiting the building,” Lauderhill Deputy Fire Chief Jeff Levy said.
Levy called the fire suspicious.
He says firefighters were able to quickly put out the fire that was preventing residents from being able to evacuate.
“It is suspicious in nature because the furniture, first of all, isn’t supposed to be in the hallway. Second thing, the furniture, if it was in the hallway or whatever reason, doesn’t just spontaneously catch on fire by itself,” Levy added.
Firefighters are looking into the cause of the fire.
No suspects have been identified at this time, however, residents at the apartment complex hope he or she is caught soon before they put anyone else in danger.
“It’s making me worried now because, you never know, they might come back and do it in my building,” Luecreita Freelove said.
All of the fourth floor apartments -- about 24 units -- were evacuated due to the damage in the hallway.
Staff from the American Red Cross are assisting those who have been displaced.
It is unclear how long the displaced residents will be out of their units.
Authorities told Local 10 News that the search is still on for the potential suspect.
Anyone with information on the incident is urged to call the Lauderhill Police Department at 954-497-4700.