TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Tampa apartment fire blamed on clothes dryer

News Channel 8 photo by MICHAEL EGGER

Firefighters are battling a fire at an apartment complex near Sligh Avenue and 56th Street North in Tampa.

ADVERTISEMENT

TBO.com

Published: April 7, 2009

Updated: 04/07/2009 08:37 pm

A three-alarm fire that destroyed eight units today at a Tampa apartment complex was caused by a malfunctioning clothes dryer, authorities say.

It took 58 firefighters from Hillsborough, Tampa and Temple Terrace departments to control the fire that began at Granada Apartments, 7010 Santa Ana Drive, about 1:30 p.m.

Today's blustery conditions fanned flames across the apartment building and displaced residents from eight apartments, according to Hillsborough County Fire Rescue.

"The wind was a big factor," said Hillsborough Fire Capt. Bruce Delk. "Once it [the fire] vented through the roof, the wind pushed it through the building."

The top four units were "devastated" by the fire, and the bottom units are heavily damaged from smoke and water, Delk said. The American Red Cross assisted the displaced families with temporary shelter and clothing.

Damage estimates from the fire are not yet available.

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT