An early morning fire has left at least five restaurants damaged on the Hollywood Beach Broadwalk Thursday (October 8), NBC Miami reported. Authorities said a fire broke out some time before 5 a.m. Witnesses alerted firefighters and first responders about the flames.
Hollywood Deputy Fire Chief Analdy Garcia said the main body of fire was extinguished within ten to 15 minutes. No injuries were initially reported, officials noted.
"They found two restaurants fully involved and at that time they began an attack and called a second alarm," Garcia added.
NBC Miami chopper footage showed "severe damage" to the properties of several restaurants, including Little Venice Pizza Restaurant. They also reported that La Brochetterie, Blue Wave, Hollywood Grill, At Peru Restaurant and Ocean Alley appeared to be affected by the blaze, as well. NBC Miami's broadcast showed melted chairs and tables and charred areas.
"There are a lot of things that are happening already to restaurant businesses in this pandemic and just let’s pray for better days," Marcela Caramillo said, the owner of At Peru. "We don’t know when we’re gonna go back to business again. We don’t know.”
Blue Wave owner Jorge Aller said his heart goes out to all the owners affected.
“I know it’s really hard especially after coronavirus, we barely made it through the coronavirus and now this," Aller said. “Just rebuild and get stronger. That’s what we do."
Authorities said they are investigating the cause of the fire.
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