FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Fort Lauderdale firefighters extinguished a fire that was reported Friday morning at a home.
According to Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue officials, a neighbor first called 911 just before 7:30 a.m. to report the fire on Middle River Road, shortly before the resident called 911 himself.
Firefighters said they arrived to find heavy flames coming from the garage of the home, with the fire burning through the roof.
According to FLFR, the resident, his son and his dog all safely evacuated from the house before firefighters arrived.
“My mind was just, get my son out, get the dog out. Everyone safe. Make sure everyone and everything is OK,” Von Zewhl said.
The fire was extinguished in about 40 minutes.
“It’s a horrible time, it’s a horrible experience,” Zewhl said.
FLFR spokesman Frank Guzman confirmed to Local 10 that a lithium-ion battery left charging in the garage is believed to have sparked the blaze.
“Red Cross is getting us a hotel for a couple days. We have to get the smoke cleaned, but most of the damage is contained to the garage,” Zewhl said.
Zewhl told Local 10 News that his garage held a classic 1969 Oldsmobile that holds sentimental value, but at the end of the day, he’s just happy his family is OK.
“It’s money at this point. It doesn’t matter,” he said. “Family is fine. Everyone is happy and healthy.”
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