Lauderdale Lake, FL – Sprinkler system activated for fire at assisted living facility

Nearly 30 residents of an assisted living facility had to be evacuated after a fire broke out late Tuesday night.

About 50 firefighters arrived to St. Joseph Residence, off Northwest 30th Street, to help evacuate nearly 30 residents, a Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue (BSFR) news release said.

Just before 11 p.m. Tuesday, firefighters were met with smoke and a small fire in a room on the third floor of the facility. The flame was apparently caused by an unattended candle, but the sprinkler system inside the building kept it at bay.

The news release said most of the evacuated residents live on the second, third and fourth floors and were experiencing smoke and water damage from the sprinklers.

Only two residents needed medical transport, but their conditions were stable as of last night, per BSFR.