Crime & Safety

Hookah Hut Fire Ruled Arson

The blaze broke out early Thursday morning.

Tampa Fire Rescue has determined the fire that ripped through the Hookah Hut on Henderson Boulevard Thursday morning was intentionally set.

According to the agency, a call came in about the fire at 6:19 a.m. When crews arrived on the scene, they found the flames had been put out by the building’s sprinkler system. The 3215 Henderson Blvd. business was closed at the time.

“An investigation by the Fire Marshal’s Office revealed that the front and rear doors of the establishment showed signs of forced entry,” an email from Jason Penny, fire rescue spokesman, said. “There were multiple fire points of origin found in the space as well as an unknown liquid with a strong odor.”

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The city’s HAZMAT team responded to the scene, as well.

Damage to the building is estimated at $20,000, Penny said. There were no injuries.

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The arson investigation is ongoing. Any with information about the crime is asked to call the Fire Marshal’s Office at 813-274-7000.

Image via Shutterstock

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