A fast-moving house fire ripped through a single-family home in Hollywood, Fla., early Tuesday, flattening the place after the roof gave way while firefighters attacked heavy flames. Neighbors in nearby houses were rushed out as a precaution, and authorities say no one was hurt. Crews drenched the property from above and circled it for hours, chasing stubborn hot spots to keep the fire from jumping to other homes.
What officials say
Hollywood Fire Rescue units were called to the 6700 block of Harding Street shortly after 3:30 a.m., according to Local10. Firefighters arrived to find the house fully engulfed and reported that the property appeared vacant when the blaze broke out. Neighbors told reporters they were jolted awake by people yelling and pounding on doors to warn everyone to get out.
Video shows collapse and scramble on the block
Video aired by local stations shows walls of bright-orange flames and the dramatic roof collapse as crews worked from above, CBS Miami reported. Several neighbors said they sprinted outside with garden hoses to soak their yards, while police officers moved door to door evacuating homes on both sides of the burning house.
Fire chief: Keeping it from spreading was 'our first priority'
Hollywood Fire Rescue Chief Jeff Levy told NBC6 that crews were met with heavy fire blowing out of the roof, windows and doors, and the roof collapse forced them into a defensive posture. He said flames briefly pushed into a neighboring backyard and ignited a jacuzzi, but firefighters quickly cut off the spread before it could reach the home next door.
Investigation and aftermath
No injuries were reported, and firefighters stayed on scene into the morning knocking down remaining hot spots, WSVN reported. Officials say investigators will move in once the site is safe to pinpoint where and how the fire started and to evaluate structural damage to the burned home and neighboring houses.
How fires like this often start
Investigators have not yet said what sparked the blaze. National data show that cooking, heating equipment and electrical failures are among the most common causes of home fires, according to research from the National Fire Protection Association. Residents looking for incident records or recovery help can turn to the City of Hollywood Fire Rescue & Beach Safety page for information on reports and local services.
