Eight people forced from homes after Lauderdale Lakes fire

Eight residents of a Lauderdale Lakes complex will have to find a temporary place to stay for the holidays after a fire damaged their homes.

The overnight fire broke out on the roof of the building at 4079 NW 31st Street.

One resident said he was in his unit watching television while his aunt prepared for Christmas Eve dinner when he heard pounding on his door and a neighbor screaming that the roof was on fire. He said there were people working on the roof on Wednesday.

“Right now it’s just crazy. We are trying to figure out why they would tar the building right before the holidays when people are living here. There are kids and stuff that live in the apartment,” said Michael Patty. “They jeopardized the kids’ safety and our safety along with everyone else.”

Patty believes the tar was left burning, and that caused the fire.

The Red Cross has offered the displaced residents assistance. It’s unclear when they will be able to return to their homes.

This story was originally published December 24, 2015 at 8:39 AM with the headline "Eight people forced from homes after Lauderdale Lakes fire."