HALLANDALE BEACH, FLA. (WSVN) - A resident had to be treated for minor injuries as firefighters extinguished a large fire that erupted inside of a duplex in Hallandale Beach.
Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue crews responded to the scene along Southeast Ninth Court and Third Avenue just after 5 a.m., Thursday.
Nearly 50 firefighters worked to put out the flames that were contained to the rear of the single-story structure and to prevent another nearby building from catching fire.
One team of firefighters worked to knock the flames down, and a second team focused on saving the adjacent two-story building.
BSFR officials said the wind made it difficult to tackle the flames, but approximately 30 minutes later, they were extinguished.
Resident Allen Lefebvre said he is counting his blessings after escaping the early morning fire.
“I’m lucky I’m a light sleeper,” said Lefebvre. “I woke up and got right out the door.”
7SkyForce HD flew over the scene where Lefebvre’s roof could be seen charred and left with several holes.
“It looked like it was coming from the kitchen area, majorly engulfed,” said Lefebvre. “Flames all way to the ceiling.”
The nearby building also sustained minor damage, and officials have turned off power to the structure as a precaution.
The State Fire Marshal is investigating the cause of the fire.
The American Red Cross responded to the scene to assist the residents affected by the fire.
City building inspectors have condemned the building and deemed it unsafe.
Copyright 2025 Sunbeam Television Corp. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.