A Fort Lauderdale family’s Memorial Day weekend took a devastating turn when a fire that started in their carport rapidly consumed their home, leaving them with nothing but the clothes on their backs and a lot of questions. The incident happened Sunday evening in the Melrose Park neighborhood, and what followed was a race against flames that nobody was ready for.
Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue responded to a vehicle fire on Southwest 31st Avenue just after 6:20 p.m. Sunday. By the time crews arrived, the fire had already jumped from the carport to the house itself. That kind of speed is not exaggerated for dramatic effect. It is exactly how fast things can go wrong when a vehicle parked inches from your front wall becomes a torch.
Homeowner Annie Examet said she ran outside and grabbed a hose, joining a neighbor in a desperate attempt to slow the fire before firefighters pulled up. It did not work. “It just grew larger,” she said, “in a matter of seconds.” Anyone who has ever watched a car burn knows that sinking feeling. A garden hose against that kind of heat is about as useful as blowing on a campfire…