A quiet stretch of Fort Lauderdale’s 1800 block of Southwest 23rd Avenue turned chaotic early Thursday when a tiki hut and a nearby home caught fire, forcing four people and three dogs out into the pre-dawn dark. Firefighters arrived within minutes, and everyone was able to evacuate safely; no injuries were reported. The American Red Cross has been called in to assist the displaced residents while fire investigators work to determine what sparked the blaze.
Investigation under way
According to CBS News Miami, 911 calls started coming in just before 5:20 a.m., reporting a fire in the neighborhood. Crews arrived to find a tiki hut burning behind a vacant rental property, and the flames had already spread to the occupied home next door. Fire officials told the outlet that a fire investigator was on the way and that it remains unclear whether the blaze began in the occupied house or in the empty rental.
Tiki huts and local rules
South Florida might love a backyard tiki, but the City of Fort Lauderdale treats freestanding shade structures such as tiki huts as regulated accessory features rather than casual decor. Planning documents even reference “thatched overhangs” when requesting variances and permits. Per the City of Fort Lauderdale, those rules set setbacks and size limits for freestanding shade structures.
A recent similar case in neighboring Dania Beach, where a burning tiki hut spread to a home in January, highlights how fast these outdoor setups can escalate into house fires. That incident was reported by WSVN.
Aid and next steps
CBS News Miami reported that the American Red Cross was called to assist the four displaced residents. Fire crews stayed at the scene to secure the area while investigators continued their work.
How neighbors can stay safe
Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue offers guidance on outdoor-structure safety, including keeping open flames away from wood and thatch and maintaining safe clearances, and the department’s site links to local fire-prevention resources. Residents with concerns or information about the blaze can consult Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue for contact details and safety tips.
