Twenty-four mentally challenged people will have to find a new place to stay after a sprinkler system flooded their rooms on Christmas Day.
The sprinklers were set off by a smoldering mattress fire around 11:01 a.m., caused by a cigarette, in Room 301 of the Lakeview Residence Inn, 465 7th Ave. N., in St. Petersburg, said St. Petersburg Fire and Rescue Lt. Joel Granata. The rooming house serves the mentally challenged, he said.
The sprinklers ran several hours before being discovered, which caused flooding in 25 rooms on three floors of the five-story complex, Granata said.
Firefighters will use water vacuums and squeegees to remove the water before the rooms will be inhabitable.
Lakeview will help relocate the residents.
No injuries were reported.
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