A fire broke out in the attic of a four-unit, two-story block of condominiums at Ocean Park Villas North in Flagler Beach just before 2 p.m. today. The fire rapidly spread across the block in northerly and westerly directions, demolishing the block by 3 p.m. as Flagler Beach firefighters, assisted by several units from other jurisdictions, battled the flames.
Three of the four units at 20 Ocean Palm Villa North are inhabited. Only one was occupied at the time of the fire—by an elderly couple. They escaped unharmed, but the elderly man was seen transported to an ambulance at about 3 p.m., breathing oxygen.
The fire started in unit 28, according to Clay Horton, who’s been in charge of maintenance at the condos for 10 years. He saw flames pouring out of the attic of the unit at 1:55 p.m. The fire then spread to units 27, 26 and 25. Only Unit 25 was vacant of residents. Long-term renters lived in the rest. The elderly couple lived in unit 26.
(© FlaglerLive)
At 5:40 p.m., Flagler Beach Fire Chief Martin Roberts told FlaglerLive that “all the fire is knocked down, under control. We’re doing mop up right now.” He said the state fire marshal was on the scene, investigating the cause of the fire, which was unknown at the moment. Nobody was injured other than the elderly man transported earlier to the hospital. The structure itself is “pretty much gone.”
Nearby residents, Roberts said, should expect some lingering smoke, but not much of it, and not for long. “Nothing like you get with a brush fire,” Roberts said. The embers should all be put out sometime tonight.
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Kari C. says
Man! This must have been a TOUGH day to fight fire. It was so hot!
Maurice says
Good job gentlemen! Despite some despicable political practices around town, I for one am glad Flagler Beach has the large, ladder truck. I’d say it proved its worth and value in this fire alone. Take heed commissioner — you don’t have the only opinion in town!
Beverly C says
Many, many thanks to the men and women who fought this terrible fire on such a hot day. My building is next door, to the east of this one, and I for one am grateful for the quick response and dedication from Flagler and Volusia.