Florida Man's House Catches Fire After Turning on Heat for First Time in 35 Years

Hansy Auguste heard a "boom" before realizing his roof was on fire

Published on Feb. 4, 2026

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In the early morning hours of February 2, Hansy Auguste turned on the heat in his Florida home for the first time in 35 years. He heard a "boom" and soon realized his house was on fire. Auguste and his wife were able to safely escape the blaze with their dog, but the home sustained significant fire and water damage.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the potential dangers of not regularly testing home heating systems, especially in areas like South Florida where they are not used as frequently. It serves as a reminder for homeowners to check their heating equipment before the cold season to avoid similar fire hazards.

The details

According to reports, Auguste turned on the heat around 3 a.m. after his wife said she was cold. Just a few minutes later, he heard a loud "boom" sound and went outside to investigate, only to find his roof on fire. The couple was able to safely evacuate, and fire officials are investigating the cause of the blaze, which Auguste believes was started by his heater.

  • On February 2, 2026, around 3 a.m. local time, Auguste turned on his home's heat for the first time in 35 years.

The players

Hansy Auguste

A Florida homeowner whose house caught fire after he turned on his heat for the first time in decades.

Miramar Fire-Rescue

The fire department that responded to the incident and is investigating the cause of the fire.

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What they’re saying

“After the boom, she said, 'What is it?' I said, 'I don't know,' And then I went outside, I looked, and I see the roof on fire.”

— Hansy Auguste, Homeowner (WFOR)

“It's normal for us here in South Florida. We don't turn our central heat on that much, and when we do, we're not used to smelling that burning smell within our homes.”

— Steve Gollan, Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue Chief (WFOR)

What’s next

The investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing, and fire officials will work to determine if any safety issues or code violations contributed to the incident.

The takeaway

This incident serves as a reminder for homeowners, especially in warmer climates, to regularly test and maintain their home heating systems to prevent potential fire hazards. It highlights the importance of being proactive about home safety and addressing any issues before they escalate.