Firefighters put out shopping center blaze that destroys three businesses

No one was injured as a result of the fire. Several birds and reptiles were rescued from a Pet Supermarket.

Fire rescue crews spent nearly five hours Monday fighting a fire that tore through a Hollywood shopping center.

Flames spread to five businesses, while smoke filled about six others, Hollywood Fire Rescue Chief Chris Del Campo said. The plaza, at the corner of Hollywood Boulevard and South State Road 7, was evacuated.

No one was injured as a result of the fire, which was reported around 1:45 p.m., Del Campo said. Several birds and reptiles were rescued from a Pet Supermarket.

Fire rescue units from Pembroke Pines, Hallandale and the Broward Sheriff’s Office joined the Hollywood department in knocking down the fire. Black smoke rolled from the businesses’ rooftops as crews doused the blaze.

Firefighters at one point had the inferno under control and were working to put out a few hot spots when a possible chemical accelerant caused the flames to rage again, Del Campo said. The fire was momentarily out of firefighters’ hands but was brought under control again by 6:30 p.m.

At least three businesses were destroyed, although crews were able to salvage most of the complex, Del Campo said.

Investigators were working to determine how and where the fire ignited, a process that could take days, Del Campo said. The total cost of the damage was not immediately known.

Hollywood Boulevard from State Road 7 to 62nd Avenue was shut down because of heavy smoke, according to Hollywood police. Officers also closed State Road 7 from Johnson Street to Washington Street. emiller@tribpub.com, 954-356-4544 or Twitter @EmilyBethMiller