WINTER 2019
4025 North Federal Highway | Oakland Park, FL 33308
History: Building B Fire of 1997
It was Thursday, December 16, 1997 around 11:00 AM – when the first sparks of what would become a devastating condominium fire consumed the entire third floor of Building B. While firefighters were quick to respond, it would take another two hours to put out the flames, because the nearest fire hydrant was 200 yards away from the building. In surrounding neighborhoods, firefighters cut through fencing and trampled lawns of private homes to provide enough water to stop the blaze. The Oakland Park Fire Department requested assistance from nearby cities – but they had difficulty reaching the fire due to heavily clogged traffic on Federal Highway, and crowds of onlookers from neighboring towns. All of the residents of Building B became homeless that day. Snowbirds returned to their northern homes and residents with insurance were housed in a nearby condominium. Others found temporary residence with family or friends. Many were assisted by churches, which provided temporary housing for occupants with nowhere else to go. Some neighbors spent many nights at the Howard Johnson’s Hotel on Pompano Beach. Belongings that were not incinerated were damaged by smoke or water. Local newspapers reported stories about elderly residents “losing everything” and young families losing all their holiday gifts. Gifts that were intended for a Christmas Day visit by Santa. On the evening of the fire, the Red Cross provided newly homeless neighbors with vouchers for food and clothes, as well as toothbrushes and soap to assist them through the next few days. The residents of Building B would not return to Kings Park until three years later.
Our neighbors remember… Mary Hillman, who lives in Building B today, was living in Building C at that time. Mary was at a doctor’s appointment when the fire broke out. “I don’t remember how far south on Federal Highway I was able to drive before the road was blocked. I saw the smoke and thought the fire was coming from Bobby Rubino’s across the street -- but that was wrong. At some point I had abandoned my car and ran the rest of the way home. By then I was wheezing, and the fire chief handed me his phone to call my daughter and let her know I was okay. That sort of kindness happened again and again.” Continued on next page...
Welcome | Bienvenue | Bienvenido | Bem vinda | Herzlich willkommen | Byenveni Welcome to Kings Park. No matter where you came from -- we welcome you. Whether you’re a renter, first-time home buyer, snowbird or longtime resident, Kings Park is proud of the diversity in our community, from the smallest child to our most seasoned residents.