Arsonist Set Family's Home On Fire, Officials Say

TAMPA, FL — A family of five is without a home after a blaze broke out inside their Sulphur Springs residence Friday morning.

According to Tampa Fire Rescue, the agency responded to the fire at 8208 N. 9th St. just before 2:30 a.m. When they arrived, they found the single-story home fully involved. Firefighters brought the blaze under control by 2:45 a.m.

A family of two adults and three children live in the home, but were not there when the fire started, the agency wrote in an email to media. The Red Cross was notified to assist them.

While no injuries were reported, fire officials say damage estimates add up to about $90,000 for the building and its contents.

The investigation into the cause of the blaze indicates that someone entered the home and started a fire in a bedroom before leaving, the email said.

Anyone with information about the fire or who started it is asked to contact the Tampa Fire Marshal’s Office at 813-274-7000. Anonymous tips may also be submitted at www.tampagov.net/arsontips. Rewards of up to $2,500 are offered for tips that lead to the identification of people involved in arson fires.

Photo courtesy of Tampa Fire Rescue