13-Year-Old Boy Killed in Devastating Margate House Fire

A devastating fire in Margate, Florida, claimed the life of a 13-year-old boy Thursday afternoon, leaving a family and community in mourning. According to city officials, the blaze broke out around 4:30 p.m. at a home located on the 5000 block of Southwest 6th Street.

Fire crews rushed to the scene after neighbors reported heavy smoke and what sounded like an explosion. Upon entering the burning home, firefighters discovered the boy’s body inside, despite their desperate rescue attempts. City officials confirmed the heartbreaking discovery Friday morning.

Two adult relatives who were inside the home at the time managed to escape, though one was later hospitalized for injuries sustained in the fire. A dog that was hiding in the home was rescued by firefighters, but tragically, another family pet did not survive.

Aerial footage captured by NBC6’s Chopper 6 showed the roof of the home partially collapsed as flames and thick black smoke billowed out, with crews working tirelessly to contain the inferno.

According to officials, the fire grew so intense that part of the roof gave way, and one firefighter’s gear — including his pants and boots — caught fire during the response. Thankfully, the firefighter was not injured.

Neighbors described the terrifying scene, recounting a loud explosion and a sudden power outage.

“Black smoke, black smoke — and then the power went out,” said neighbor Angelica Dubanewicz.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the City of Margate Fire Department and State Fire Marshal’s Office. Officials have not yet released the identities of the victim or his family members.

Understanding Legal Options After a Fatal Fire

When a fire results in death or serious injury, families may be entitled to pursue compensation through a wrongful death or negligence claim, depending on the cause of the blaze. Under Florida law (§768.16–§768.26, Florida Wrongful Death Act), potential claims could arise from:

• Defective wiring or appliances (product liability)
• Faulty smoke detectors or sprinkler systems
• Negligent property maintenance or construction defects
• Gas leaks, electrical malfunctions, or flammable materials
• Delayed emergency response or code violations

If the fire was caused by a defective product, landlord negligence, or another party’s misconduct, surviving family members may seek damages for funeral expenses, emotional suffering, medical costs, and loss of companionship.

Steps Families Should Take After a Fatal Fire

1. Request an official fire report from investigators.
2. Preserve any evidence, such as appliances, wiring, or household devices possibly linked to the fire.
3. Consult an experienced wrongful death attorney to identify all liable parties.
4. Avoid communicating with insurance companies directly — they often attempt to minimize payouts.
5. Seek trauma counseling and community support, as fire-related losses can leave deep emotional scars.

At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury & Wrongful Death Law Firm, we represent families who have lost loved ones due to fires, explosions, and preventable tragedies across South Florida. Our attorneys work with fire investigators, engineers, and safety experts to uncover the truth and hold negligent parties accountable.

We handle every case with compassion and commitment — covering all upfront costs and charging no fees unless we win compensation for your family.