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Fire Destroys House, Spreads To Others

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TBO.com

Published: October 28, 2008

TAMPA - A 13-year-old boy was arrested on arson charges this afternoon after a fire destroyed a small wood-frame house just south of Ybor City and the flames fanned by a steady wind spread to two adjacent houses, Tampa Fire Rescue officials said.

No one was hurt in the fire, but black smoke billowed across Interstate 275 and filled nearby streets.

Fire crews responded to the call about 3:20 p.m. and found the wood-frame house at 1715 E. Columbus Drive fully involved and two buildings next to it starting to catch on fire, authorities said.

The houses were vacant and had no electricity, the Tampa Fire Marshals Office said. The flames were under control in about 45 minutes.

As firefighters continued to put out hot spots about 5:15 p.m., someone noticed smoke coming from a building across the street at 1708 E. Columbus Drive, Tampa Fire Rescue Capt. Bill Wade said in a written statement.

The small fire at the meeting hall used by a fraternal organization was quickly put out, authorities said. A mop had been set on fire and stuck through a window, investigators said.

The teen admitted his involvement in the fires, investigators said. He was charged with four counts of arson and taken to the Juvenile Assessment Center.

Authorities say a second teen was involved in the fires are looking for him tonight.

Editor's Note: An earlier version of this story incorrectly identified the building located at 1708 E. Columbus Drive.

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