The Backyard club on SW 3rd Avenue in downtown Fort Lauderdale burned down early Monday, Nov. 9. The fire spread to the neighboring bar PoorHouse, but none of the patrons were injured.
According to Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue, the fire broke out at about 3 a.m. Flames appeared near the stage at the back of the club, then quickly spread to the neighboring venue. Thick clouds of black smoke hung over downtown.
A second-alarm response was called. According to CBS Miami, about 80 firefighters were sent to the scene. Fire Chief Stephen Gollan said the blaze was brought under control in about 30 minutes. Backyard was closed and empty when the fire started. Customers were inside the neighboring PoorHouse, however.
PoorHouse patrons rushed out of the venue. One of them described it to CBS as a “stampede,” meaning a crowd rushing for the exit. Gollan said no civilians were hurt. According to some media reports, one firefighter suffered minor injuries and was treated at the scene.
According to CBS Miami, the club is completely destroyed. Several hours after the response, the buildings were cordoned off with yellow tape. Part of the awning at Backyard partially melted. Firefighters returned to the scene because smoke was still smoldering inside.
The cause of the fire is not known and is under investigation. Backyard, formerly America’s Backyard, is located in the Himmarshee entertainment district, west of 3rd Avenue and south of Broward Boulevard. Residents and commuters heading downtown should expect disruptions in the area of the response in the coming hours.
Source: Sun Sentinel
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Source: Słoneczne Radio
