Fire on Alabama-Florida line wounds 2, destroys beach condos
PERDIDO KEY, Fla. (AP) - An overnight fire near the Alabama-Florida state line has destroyed multiple condominiums near the beach at Perdido Key and injured a resident and a firefighter.
Escambia County officials say the blaze broke out early Wednesday at a development within yards of the Flora-Bama bar and spread quickly. People reportedly ran from the nightspot to a Key Harbour condo building to warn people to get out.
The windy conditions and proximity to other units caused the blaze to spread quickly to another condominium development and a house, which was still burning around sunrise. Videos show the night sky near Old River turned orange by the flames.
All the residents have been accounted for, but some pets may still be missing, officials say. One resident and one firefighter were taken to the hospital with heat-related injuries.
Authorities say 75 firefighters responded to the fire, which destroyed 26 units and the house, and closed down a lane to traffic.