5 Families Left Homeless Following North Tampa Apartment Fire

TAMPA, FL — Five families lost their homes and one resident was hospitalized with injuries after a fire broke out at an apartment complex in North Tampa Tuesday afternoon.

According to Tampa Fire Rescue, firefighters were called to the Regency Square Apartments on Debeers Drive, near North 15th Street, around 4 p.m.

Crews from the first engine on the scene found flames shooting through the roof of the two-story apartment building and heard a report that someone had jumped from a second-floor window, according to the fire department.

Crews attacked the fire from outside and got it under control in about 10 minutes. Then they searched inside the building and confirmed that all the residents were safely outside, the fire department said.

Tampa Fire Rescue contacted the American Red Cross to help the five families whose apartments were damaged by smoke and water.

Investigators said the fire started after someone left food unattended while cooking.