PALM HARBOR, Fla. – A fire at The Vue Lake Tarpon apartment complex early this morning was caused by a female occupant falling asleep while smoking in bed, fire investigators have determined.
The incident occurred on Thursday at the complex located at 37611 US Highway 19 N. Firefighters responded to the scene after a fire alarm sounded.
According to investigators, the fire was largely contained by the building’s fire sprinkler system. A quick-thinking neighbor, hearing the alarm, broke down the apartment door and rescued the occupant before further damage could occur.
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The occupant was transported by ground ambulance to a local hospital for non-life-threatening injuries.
Fire officials are emphasizing the importance of working fire alarm and sprinkler systems in residential buildings.
“This incident is an example of the importance of fire sprinklers and a working fire alarm system. The sprinkler system contained the fire to one room and protected the rest of the building from the fire,” said Palm Harbor Fire Rescue. “This is a tremendous save by the building’s internal fire suppression system and should be noted.”
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