Firefighters doused a blaze at an East Tampa apartment this morning, but four families are temporarily homeless, according to Tampa Fire Rescue.
Firefighters could see flames coming from a first-floor apartment at a two-story building at 4111 block of East Ellicott Street about 10:50 a.m., Capt. Bill Wade said. The fire was brought under control in about 15 minutes.
Investigators said the fire started after Verdell Owens, who lives in the apartment, left a lit cigarette on the bed. Owens was watching TV in another room when she smelled smoke; she left the apartment when she discovered the bedroom on fire.
Three other apartments received minor damage from the smoke and will be unusable until the damage is repaired. One family will be staying with relatives; the other two hadn't been contacted by authorities by early afternoon.
The American Red Cross will help Owens with clothing and temporary shelter.
Investigators estimated total damage at about $100,000.
The fire department responded to the one-alarm fire with four fire engines, two rescue cars, one ladder truck and a couple of chief officers.
An estimated 26 responders were on scene from fire stations in East Tampa, Jackson Heights, Ybor City, Downtown and Seminole Heights.
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