April 06--HOLLYWOOD -- A late-night fire in a second-floor apartment sent smoke pouring throughout the rental building, killing a man and displacing more than two dozen residents, police said.
Firefighters and police officers responded to the flames about 12:20 a.m. Saturday and later labeled the site of the suspicious fire, at 1610 N. Dixie Highway, a crime scene.
The man likely was a tenant there, said Edward Preis, who lives in a building next door and said he manages the building damaged by the fire. He went to check on tenants when he heard the fire alarm, and went toward the smoke-filled apartment.
"I went straight into the apartment, but it was too late," he said.
When Preis tried to go into the unit, heavy smoke forced him out of the room, he said. He didn't have time to see anyone inside before turning back. He did, however, notice a television melting off a dresser, he said.
Police have not released the name of the man who died, nor discussed what could have led to the fire.
The building was deemed uninhabitable, so residents would have to wait to return. The fire displaced about 25 people, according to Police Lt. Osvaldo Perez.
Deanne Schmid, who moved into the building in January, said she had no idea where she would be sleeping Saturday night, but she had arranged for boarding for her two dogs.
"I'm homeless tonight," she said. "That's upsetting, too, that somebody died."
Some residents, if not all, were to be assisted by the Red Cross, officials said.
Fire Prevention Officer Mark Fritz said the fire was primarily contained to the apartment where the man died. However, there was some heat and smoke damage in a hallway and power had been shut off in the building, he said.
Late Saturday, police were combing through the apartment for evidence, and fire investigators also planned to investigate, officials said.
Throughout the day, Lisa Masters offered some of the affected residents her restroom and handed out a few cigarettes to soothe nerves.
"The littlest thing can relax a person. They're my neighbors," she said. "I gave one lady a pair of socks. Somebody's got to help."
Authorities urge anyone with information to call the Hollywood Police Department at 954-967-4411. Tipsters may email tips to [email protected] or call Broward Crime Stoppers, anonymously, at 954-493-8477.
"I'm like delirious right now. It's traumatic," Schmid said. "Everything could have literally gone up in smoke, but it didn't and we're thankful for that."
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