TAMPA, Fla. – Hillsborough County Fire Rescue battled a structure fire on Niagra Avenue in Tampa Thursday evening.
According to officials, 911 calls came into the dispatch center at 6:50 PM from callers reporting smoke from a second-floor unit of a two-story apartment building.
HCFR’s Truck 32 was first on the scene, reporting moderate smoke billowing from the building. Crews pulled hose lines and were met with heavy fire conditions as they initiated an interior attack.
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Battalion Chief 2 assumed command and called a second alarm based on conditions and the size of the structure. Additional units set up a water supply from a nearby hydrant and assisted with firefighting operations from different sides of the building.
Two aerial devices were utilized to battle the blaze. Crews contained direct fire damage to just one unit, with smoke damage to adjacent units and water damage to units on the first floor.
Primary and secondary searches were conducted, and no occupants were inside the structure, but firefighters rescued four cats and three dogs.
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There have been no reported injuries to civilians or first responders. HCFR’s Office of Emergency Management is on the scene to assist with setting up the displaced residents with assistance through the American Red Cross.
“Our fire investigator has determined the cause to be due to unattended cooking,” said HCFR.
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