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Blaze Destroys Dunedin Art Studio

Eamonn Kneeshaw / Special to TBO.com

Firefighters douse the flames at the Imago Art Group building.

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By JOSH POLTILOVE | The Tampa Tribune

Published: December 9, 2007

Updated: 12/09/2007 10:54 am

Raw Video From The Fire | Photo Gallery

A Dunedin blaze that forced an art building to be razed this morning was "definitely not an accidental fire," Dunedin Fire Marshal Bill McElligott said.

The fire, first called in about 2:57 a.m., didn't injure anyone.

The business, Imago Art Group, 464 Douglas Ave., is a total loss. Damage initially was estimated at $1 million but a later estimate was "about $500,000," according to Pinellas County deputies.

About 12 artists worked out of the building, which was deemed a public safety hazard after the fire, deputies say.

At the time of the fire, a watchman or building manager and his friend were inside, McElligott said.

The large fire prevented their first escape attempt through the rear of the building. They instead escaped through the front before firefighters arrived on scene.

Investigators don't think the two caused the fire, he said.

The two-alarm fire drew units from Dunedin, Clearwater, Palm Harbor and Largo.

Firefighters initially searched the inside of the building, but they backed out due to the building's construction and the amount of flame impingement, McElligott said.

"It was a very spectacular blaze," he said.

Firefighters fought the blaze outside the building, preventing it from damaging three nearby apartments, McElligott said.

The fire was brought under control at 4:34 a.m.

McElligott wouldn't provide more details about what made the fire "suspicious," saying that would hinder the ongoing investigation.

A male voice was heard outside the building just before the fire was discovered, according to the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office, whose arson unit is investigating the fire.

Arson detectives and fire officials are attempting to determine the fire's origin.

Anyone with more information about is asked to call Detective Jack White at (727) 582-6200 or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-873-TIPS.

Reporter Josh Poltilove can be reached at jpoltilove@tampatrib.com or (813) 259-7691.

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