DEERFIELD, Fla. – A massive fire erupted at a Deerfield Beach home overnight, forcing at least six people out of their residence just a day after Christmas.
Authorities said the blaze broke out around midnight, with neighbors describing the scene as chaotic and frantic. Cellphone video captured the intense flames and screams of those nearby.
Authorities said six occupants managed to escape the inferno, but the home suffered significant damage, with a charred roof, boarded-up windows, and a destroyed shed. The Red Cross Broward chapter confirmed that are providing assistance to the displaced family.
Neighbor Robert Thomas recounted the terrifying experience, saying,
“It was scary because we were right next to it... We were trying to get our water hose to water the tree to make sure nothing came to our house or hit our back, and two explosions went off. We had to tell my mom to get back.”
The cause of the fire remains unknown at this time.
The disaster-trained volunteers provided emergency assistance to six adults affected by the blaze.
The Red Cross is offering financial aid, health and mental health services, and one-on-one support to connect the impacted individuals with recovery resources. Volunteers are also committed to meeting the family’s disaster-related needs as they begin the recovery process.
The Disaster Action Team, a group of local Red Cross volunteers, is available 24/7 to respond to emergencies. These trained responders not only coordinate relief efforts but also provide emotional support to families facing devastating losses.
The Red Cross relies on donations to provide its disaster relief services at no cost. Those wishing to support the organization’s efforts can visit redcross.org/SouthFlorida to learn how to donate, volunteer, or prepare for emergencies.
The organization also encourages families to take proactive steps to protect their homes from fires by visiting redcross.org/homefires or downloading the Red Cross Emergency App by texting “APPS” to 90999.