Firefighters responded to a blaze in Bal Harbour Wednesday.
Firefighters responded to a blaze in Bal Harbour Wednesday evening.
Crews worked throughout the night, putting out hotspots inside Bal Harbour's Public Works Building after a fire started there around 6 p.m.
"Good amount of fire showing as we forced the overhead doors, had to cut doors with saws," explained Capt. Bob Carpenter with Miami-Dade Fire Rescue.
The flames spread fast, in part because of what was stored inside.
"It is a fleet area. There are vehicles, motor oil, gasoline. It's quite combustible and the fire moved rapidly," said Chief of Police Mark Overton.
Thankfully, no one was inside, as most employees headed home at 5 p.m.
The damage to the building is extensive; a pickup truck and a golf cart were destroyed. There is also damage to a vintage police car typically used for parades.
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Fire investigators have a good feeling on how the fire started.
"It appears to have started in one of several vehicles or pieces of equipment. It's difficult to determine. It's under investigation. Investigators are taking notes and interviewing the last people who were in the shop," Carpenter said.
At this time, the police chief said the fire doesn't look suspicious.
The fire inspector will be out to the scene on Thursday to determine whether the building can still be used.
