Broward County, Fl.– A woman was rushed to the hospital for smoke inhalation after her mother’s apartment went up in flames around 10:30 a.m. on Oct. 13.
Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue crews found heavy flames and smoke showing from 2690 Somerset Dr. in the city of Lauderdale Lakes.
Firefighters made entry and searched for any additional victims and contained the fire to the first-floor apartment.
The resident was not home at the time but her 20-year-old daughter was using a lighter as a flashlight to look for something under a bed when the mattress ignited.
The woman attempted to put the fire out and summoned the maintenance men for assistance instead of first calling 9-1-1.
The three-story building, which contains around two dozen units, was evacuated. Neighbors said the building’s fire alarm did sound.
The second and third-floor apartments above unit #105 sustained heavy smoke damage.
The unidentified victim was transported to Florida Medical Center by Lauderhill Fire Rescue.
The family’s dog escaped the fire unharmed. The American Red Cross is assisting the displaced residents with temporary accommodations.
The Broward Sheriff Fire Marshal’s Bureau and the state fire marshal’s office have labeled the blaze accidental.
