Crews from the St. Petersburg Fire Rescue Department responded to reports of a structure fire on the 4300 block of Menhaden Drive Southeast on Coquina Key at approximately 5:00 p.m. on Friday, July 26, 2024z
Upon arrival, firefighters encountered heavy smoke and towering flames from an attached carport on the west side of a single-story residence.
Crews immediately initiated efforts to control the blaze, which had reached heights of over 30 feet and extended into the backyard, setting a large tree ablaze.
Firefighters successfully confined the flames to a single outer room and the attached carport. However, the primary structure of the house suffered significant smoke damage.
The intense heat from the carport fire caused the exterior siding of the neighboring house to melt, although the interior remained undamaged.
Fortunately, the residents of the affected home evacuated safely, and no injuries were reported.
Due to the extensive damage, the residence is currently deemed uninhabitable. Firefighters will remain on the scene to ensure that all hot spots are fully extinguished and to provide any necessary assistance to the displaced residents.
A fire investigator is on-site to determine the cause of the fire.