PALM BEACH GARDENS- Two people jumped from a second-floor balcony to escape from a blaze at the Mira Flores Apartments early this morning.
"I heard screaming. Then I saw flames. That's when I saw somebody jump," said Drew Lakatos, a 22-year-old gas station attendant who was on his computer in a building next to where the fire broke out.
to reach the ground, Palm Beach Gardens Fire Rescue Division Chief Evan Bestland said.
"Good thing they left the lights up there," he said.
About 20 people, some in pajamas, were soon gathered outside as the fire engulfed a second-floor unit in the complex just north of The Gardens Mall around 2 a.m.
Bestland said they had not determined what caused the fire in the eight-unit building, but said it was accidental.
While one apartment had been engulfed by the flames, the other seven had extensive smoke and water damage.
The two who leapt from the balcony, as well as the other residents, were unhurt. Two firefighters were treated and released at Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center for minor injuries.
City officials condemned the building due to damage to the roof's trusses. Residents retrieved their belongings before the Red Cross helped them find hotel rooms.
They will eventually be moved back into other apartments at Mira Flores, said Brandon Blalock, whose apartment is next door to the one that burned.
"I was sleeping. I heard banging on my door. I looked through my peephole. All I saw was flames," said the 20-year-old Walgreens employee. "We got out. Fast."