A fire tore through the Backyard nightclub in Fort Lauderdale early Monday, leaving the business a total loss, according to officials. The blaze started west of 3rd Avenue, just south of West Broward Boulevard, and crews rushed to bring it under control.
The fire grew intense enough to spread to a neighboring bar. Officials said it was quickly raised to a second alarm, which means about 80 firefighters responded to the scene.
One firefighter was hurt. Officials described the injuries as minor, and the firefighter was treated at the scene. The fire was brought under control in about 30 minutes.
People inside at the time described a rush to get out. One bar patron said it was almost like a stampede, with people tripping over one another as they ran outside. The patron said the workers stayed calm during the evacuation.
An investigation is underway to determine what caused the fire. Few other details have been released.
