HALLANDALE BEACH, FLA. (WSVN) - A beauty supply store in Hallandale Beach was declared a total loss after it caught fire, Friday afternoon.
7Skyforce HD hovered over the scene, near 504 Foster Road, where the single-story building was engulfed by flames. Hallandale Beach Fire Rescue units responded to the fire, just before 12:30 p.m.
“When we arrived, there was smoke showing and flames through the roof,” said Hallandale Beach Fire Rescue spokesperson Lori Williams.
Officials said there was no one inside the business by the time crews arrived. “We went into a defensive attack. We were already advised that there were no occupants in the building.”
An onlooker shot cellphone video of the fast-growing blaze.
Officials said someone tried to put out the flames before they got out of control, but it was too late. “He attempted to put the fire out with a hose, and it had already spread up into the ceiling,” said Williams.
The fire tore a gaping role to the roof, and officials said the roof came close to collapsing.
No injuries were reported.
The couple that owns the beauty supply company said they are devastated over what’s happened to their family business. “My husband and I took our life savings, and I’ve been here now for about a year, year and a half, and it’s my life savings,” said business owner Latasha Akins.
Officials believe the store caught fire after someone left a stove unattended in an apartment unit attached to the structure. The flames then quickly spread to the rest of the premises.
Apartment resident Eric Frederick said it was an unfortunate chain of events. “My uncle fell asleep. When he fell asleep, I went to the bathroom, and when I went to the bathroom, that’s when I saw the roof on fire,” he said.
The business owners do not have renter’s insurance.
7News cameras captured officials with the American Red Cross speaking with the three people displaced in the fire. They said they will also help the couple who owns the store.
“I’m thankful for my life. Yes, I’m very thankful. I’m not cursing or fussing,” said Akins. “I did take my time to talk to my father in heaven, and he calmed me down.”
The official cause of the fire remains under investigation.
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