An overnight blaze at the TLC Recovery Center South in Fort Lauderdale has led to the displacement of more than 60 residents. The incident, which occurred earlier today, did not result in any injuries, thanks to the prompt response of Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue, as reported by Local 10.
The fire began around 2 a.m. at the facility, which is situated at 465 SW 20th Ave. "There were approximately 60 people inside at the time of the fire," Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue Chief Stephen Gollan told WSVN. Working to put out the fire, the response teams were then able to evacuate all the residents safely. Chief Gollan also detailed that the northern part of the U-shaped building was contained and the fire was under control within about 40 minutes.
Video of the incident highlighted the ferocity of the flames, with smoke and fire visible coming out of the building. Additional damage from the fire included several cars in the facility's parking lot, which had also caught fire. Despite the fire's intensity, it was contained by Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue to a specific section of the building.
Following the blaze, displaced residents were moved to another home located just south of the ravaged facility. While the investigation into what sparked this conflagration continues, emergency services have been credited with swift interventions that prevented an even greater tragedy. The cause of the fire currently remains under investigation. Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue is looking into the various factors that might hold clues to the puzzle of how the fire started.
