Moment Florida Firefighters Carry Man To Safety After He Starts Motel Blaze

This is the moment Florida firefighters carry a man to safety from a blaze in a Motel that he was later accused of starting with a torch lighter.

The Bali Hai Motel in the city of Fort Lauderdale in the US state of Florida was targeted by the suspected arsonist on the afternoon of 23rd October.

The footage shows cops and firefighters moving to the back of the burning motel and finding a man sitting on the ground outside his room before carrying him to safety.

The police said that Martin Kendall, 44, was charged with first-degree arson of an occupied building after allegedly starting the blaze.

The emergency services were called to the motel and found smoke and flames billowing from the building.

While evacuating guests, first responders were informed that a man was trapped at the back of the burning building and they found Kendall sitting on the ground outside his motel room.

The suspect told first responders that he had a knee problem and a firefighter carried him over his shoulder to safety.

The 44-year-old man was then hospitalised. Meanwhile, a police officer needed treatment at the scene for smoke inhalation, according to NBC Miami.

While investigating the blaze, officers identified Kendall as a possible suspect and checked his room.

Fort Lauderdale Police Department (FLPD) spokesperson Ali Adamson said: “The investigation was able to determine that the fire started near the bed and a torch lighter was found that was later determined to be the cause of the fire.”

The police added: “Witnesses on scene reported hearing him say ‘let it burn’ multiple times so that was another indicator that was something more intentional.” (sic)

The FLPD shared footage of the motel fire and Kendall’s rescue on social media on 26th October.

The local authorities said the two-storey building had several clients staying there at the time of the blaze.

Fort Lauderdale Fire-Rescue Department spokesperson Stephen Gollan said: “This very easily could have had a tragic difference to it.”

The police said the blaze damaged several rooms, but no guests were reported injured.

Meanwhile, the police said the suspect is being held at Broward County Jail without bond on a charge of first-degree arson.

According to NBC Miami, the motel is owned by a family who are still coming to terms with the aftermath of the devastating blaze.

The motive for Kendall’s alleged arson attack on the motel is still unknown as the investigation continues.

FLPDPIO/NF/Lee Bullen