24 Homes Damaged In Palencia Place Fire

TAMPA, FL — Two dozen apartments were damaged in a Thursday morning fire that broke out at Palencia Place apartments, but no people were injured, county officials say.

A fast response from Hillsborough County Fire Rescue crews and the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office is credited for saving residents from the blaze that ripped through the complex as many residents were still sleeping. Located off Bearss Avenue, the complex features multi-story buildings. The affected homes were in the back of the complex where lighting conditions are low, Nacole Revette, spokeswoman for Hillsborough County Fire Rescue said.

Sheriff’s deputies moved quickly to roust residents from their homes, Revette said.

“They were absolutely instrumental in evacuating the residents,” she said.

Revette said 12 apartment homes suffered fire, smoke and water damage. Another 12 were damaged by smoke with some possible water damage, as well.

Residents evacuated ranged in age from small children to a man who is in his 90s, she said.

“Their (deputies) efforts ensured the residents were safe and without injury,” Revette noted in a media release about the fire.

The blaze at 3450 Palencia Drive was called in around 2 a.m. When firefighters arrived on scene, they found flames shooting through the roof and stairwell of a multi-apartment building.

While all residents made it out safely, Revette said a dog died in the blaze. A few cats are also missing and a couple birds have statuses that are unknown.

Investigators remained on the scene Thursday morning, working to determine the cause of the fire. The American Red Cross has also been called out to assist the residents, Revette said.

Photos courtesy of Hillsborough County Fire Rescue

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