06/03/06 Warehouse Fire 'Under Control' In Pompano Beach Company Makes Wooden Shipping Pallets Firefighter Injured Fighting Blaze

POMPANO BEACH, Florida A North Lauderdale firefighter was injured, and a 10,000 square foot warehouse facility was destroyed, when fire exploded through the headquarters of Pallet Consultants in Pompano Beach Friday evening. Firefighters from five departments battled the blaze, which was stacked three stories tall with wooden pallets.

The fire has destroyed the facility operated by Pallet Consultants, 1000 SW 12th Avenue in Pompano Beach, a company which makes shipping pallets used to send goods around the world. According to the company?s website, the Pompano Beach facility was acquired just over a year ago.

The facility was stacked with pallets ?three stories high?, according to Pompano beach spokesperson Sandra King. She said the building also contained propane tanks, roofing supplies, plumbing materials, and other items, all contributing to the severity of the fire.

There is no information yet as to what started the fire. Gus Gutierriez, one of the owners of the facility, said a single employee was inside the warehouse when he smelled smoke, called 911, and got out of the building. Gutierrez estimated the company has suffered at bleast 2 million dollars in damage, but says the corporate headquarters and computers were saved, which will allow the company to continue operating through outher facilities around the nation.

Emergency radios crackled with the call ?firefighter down? and firefighters came running to the aid of the fallen firefighter. The firefighter, a 55 year old Lieutenant whose name was not immediately available, was taken to North Ridge Medical Center. Pompano Beach spokesperson Sandra King says he was apparently injured by a fire hose, and his injuries are relatively minor.

The company location, one of 5, is a 10,000 foot warehouse which stores pallets, used in shipping items. Most pallets use wood or corrugated board, which provide substantial fuel for a fire.

There is so much fuel from the wooden pallets, firefighters have little choice but to simply contain the fire and let the fuel burn out.

Pallet Consultants is a family business, owned by two brothers.