Sinderella Boutique Fire Ruled Arson

TAMPA, FL — Tampa Fire Rescue officials have ruled a fire that broke out at the former Sinderella's Boutique on Fowler Avenue Wednesday morning arson.

The Tampa Fire Marshal says someone entered the secured vacant building, which once housed an adult-themed store, and poured flammable liquid inside before setting it afire.

Damage to the building and its contents is estimated at $115,000, fire officials say.

According to the agency, the fire at 330 E. Fowler Ave. was reported around 2:57 a.m. When fire crews arrived at the building, they found heavy smoke and flames coming from the northeast corner, an email from the agency said.

The fire was brought under control by 3:34 a.m., but one firefighter suffered injuries battling the blaze. The firefighter’s injury is minor, the agency said. There were no other injuries reported. The building was vacant when the fire broke out, officials noted.

The blaze has been ruled a second-degree arson, the agency said. Anyone with information about the arsonist is asked to call the Tampa Fire Marshal's Office at 813-274-7000 or use the anonymous tips page at www.tampagov.net/arsontips.

Anyone who witnesses an arson in progress is urged to call 911 right away. Rewards of $2,500 or more are available for information that leads to the identification of people involved in setting arson fires, officials say.

Photo courtesy of Tampa Fire Rescue

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