Woman Critically Injured After Fire Breaks Out at Tamarac Medical Facility

Tamarac, FL – June 25, 2025 — A 26-year-old woman is fighting for her life after a fire erupted at a Tamarac medical building Tuesday afternoon, sending thick smoke and flames billowing from the upper floors.

The blaze broke out around 4:30 p.m. on the third floor of the University Physicians Pavilion, located next to HCA Florida Woodmont Hospital on North University Drive. Firefighters from Tamarac, North Lauderdale, Margate, and the Broward Sheriff’s Office quickly responded to the scene.

Emergency crews battled the fire for nearly 30 minutes before it was brought under control. Witnesses described the terrifying moment flames shot through shattered windows and smoke filled the building. Some staff members said the alarm sounded suddenly, and when they opened their office doors, they were met with dense smoke and chaos.

During the evacuation, the woman was found with severe burns and smoke inhalation. She was rushed to a nearby hospital and later transferred to a burn unit for specialized treatment. Her condition remains critical.

Officials noted that the building had no sprinkler system, which allowed heat and smoke to build rapidly. Firefighters had to smash windows to ventilate the area and gain control of the flames.

“This could’ve been far worse,” said Firefighter Van Schoen of Tamarac Fire Rescue. “If this happened during morning hours with more elderly patients inside, it might have been a very different outcome.”

Authorities are now working to determine what caused the fire. The state fire marshal has joined the investigation, and parts of the building remain closed as crews continue clearing smoke and assessing damage.