A popular beach shopping area in Fort Lauderdale was shut down for hours after an early morning fire on Wednesday damaged a clothing store and threatened nearby businesses.
Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue responded to the two-story building along East Las Olas Boulevard as smoke could be seen pouring out of the store Paradise Found just steps from Fort Lauderdale Beach and feet away from the popular Elbo Room.
Fire Response and Damage
Fire Chief Stephen Gollan said the flames weren’t easy to reach as they began in a storage space between the first and second floors, where clothing and various other items were kept.
With many items packed into that room, crews were forced to bring piles of clothing and other merchandise outside, soaking it to make sure there were no hotspots.
Officials said no one was inside when the fire broke out and no one was hurt.
Crews were able to stop the fire in the building of origin before it progressed to the neighboring business.
Inside the store, the damage is extensive. Store manager David Perez said everything is covered in smoke, and much of the merchandise is ruined. He believes an electrical problem may have started the fire, but investigators have not confirmed an official cause.
Gollan said there is substantial smoke damage, but only to that building.
Original reporting: NBC6 Miami — read the source article.
