Categories: Cocoa

Neighboring Business Burglarized Just Before Flea Market Fire: VIDEO

PORT ST. JOHN, Florida — On June 11, 2013, at approximately 2:00 A.M., a burglary occurred at 5601 North U.S. Highway #1, Skeeter Lagoon Family Grill in Cocoa, Florida.

Shortly thereafter, a fire was reported at the Space Coast Flea Market, also known at the Frontenac Flea market, located on the property adjacent to the burglarized business. Brevard County Fire Rescue dispatchers received a 9-1-1 call shortly before 2:30 a.m. from a caller who said that flames were visible on the walls of the flea market.

BCFR crews arrived just minutes after the alarm and found heavy fire and smoke penetrating the roof of the structure. The fire spread easily among the older, wooden structures on the flea market grounds. Arriving firefighters immediately deployed hose-lines to combat the fire.

BCFR spokesperson Donald Slayman said in an email that, because of the intensity of the flames, a defensive strategy was initiated; meaning firefighters attacked the fire from the outside. A second and third alarm was requested by the first arriving District Chief because of the intense heat and potential for further fire spread.

By 4 a.m., four ladder trucks, 12 fire engines, and many more support vehicles delivered more than 60 firefighters to the scene. Firefighters battled the intense blaze for nearly two hours before they were able to knockdown the main body of fire around 5 a.m. Crews spent several more hours mopping up smoldering spots.

Fire investigators from BCFR and the State Fire Marshal’s Office later determined that the fire was the result of arson.

No injuries were reported.

The burglary investigation is ongoing and Sheriff’s Agents have not determined if the two incidents are related.

Brevard County Sheriff’s Agents were able to obtain a business video surveillance image depicting a white male, wearing white in color shorts and a light colored shirt. The suspect entered the fenced in area and gained access to the patio portion.