VIDEO: Fire Marshal’s Office Determines Early Morning Fire In Cocoa Was Arson

29 residents were displaced

ABOVE VIDEO: The State Fire Marshal’s Office has determined the early morning fire at the Village Green Apartments, 1701 Dixon Boulevard, was the result of arson. Cocoa police officer Nick Hall was the first officer to arrive and his body camera video revealsHall running up the stairs to the second floor attempting to enter the apartment but he was quickly overcome by the thick black smoke coming from the apartment.

BREVARD COUNTY • COCOA, FLORIDA – The State Fire Marshal’s Office has determined the early Wednesday morning fire at the Village Green Apartments, 1701 Dixon Boulevard, was the result of arson.

The fire damaged multiple units in one building resulting in 29 residents being displaced as the structure was deemed unsafe for habitation.

At 1:13 a.m. emergency dispatchers received multiple 911 calls from residents reporting a fire in one of the units. There were early reports that the female occupant of apartment number 62 was still inside.

Officer Nick Hall was the first officer to arrive. Body camera video reveals Officer Hall running up the stairs to the second floor attempting to enter the apartment but he was quickly overcome by the thick black smoke coming from the apartment.

Officer Ted Yakarys was the second to arrive. Officer Yakarys also attempted to enter the apartment but quickly exited as the smoke nearly caused him to pass out.

Firefighters arrived within minutes and began to fight the fire as police officers evacuated the residents in each apartment. It was later determined the woman who lives in the apartment where the fire originated was not inside.

She was taken to the hospital for other medical issues. Three others were taken to the hospital for smoke inhalation including a police officer and a firefighter. All were treated and released.

The American Red Cross responded to assist the displaced residents. All were provided vouchers for lodging and essentials. The department’s victim advocate also responded to assist the victims.

The fire department estimates the damage to the building to be more than $250,000 at minimum. The investigation is ongoing and criminal charges are pending.

DETAILS OF THE BLAZE

• The point of origin for the fire is within unit No. 62.
• The fire reached the attic and spread quickly to surrounding units.
• The fire chief has determined approximately 21 units are uninhabitable due to roof being compromised and extensive smoke and water damage.
• Twenty nine residents have been displaced and the local Red Cross is assisting those families with temporary shelter. They are currently at the Adult and Community Education Center, 1225 Clearlake Road, inside the gym.
• The police department’s victim advocate is also working with the Red Cross to assist the displaced residents (approximately 29 residents)
• Two residents were sent to the hospital, one for preexisting medical issues, the other for smoke inhalation. A police officer and firefighter also went to the hospital for smoke inhalation. They were treated and released.
• Early damage estimate: at least $250,000
• Building has 31 units.
• State Fire Marshal is investigating
• Cause of fire is undetermined.

STAY TUNED TO SPACE COAST DAILY FOR UPDATES

ABOVE MAP: The Red Cross is assisting several residents of a local apartment complex who have been displaced as a result of an early morning fire. Firefighters responded to the Village Green Apartments at 1701 Dixon Boulevard for reports of a structure fire in one of the units. 

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