Tampa Fire Rescue responded to a reported fire at The Province Apartments at 1 p.m. Thursday. The complex is located at 10921 McKinley Drive.
Firefighters found heavy smoke and flames coming from the second and third floors on the southeast side of the three-story, multi-unit brick apartment building.
The incident commander called for a third alarm due to the size of the structure and to mitigate further extension of the fire. All residents were evacuated and accounted for. Firefighters had the blaze under control by 2:20 p.m.
There were no injuries to residents. One firefighter was injured from falling debris and was transported to a local hospital with a non-life threatening injury and is expected to recover.
Investigators from the fire marshal’s office are on scene to determine the cause and origin of the fire.
Complex management will assist any displaced residents. A damage estimate and preliminary cause in not yet available.
Fire investigators have determined that the three-alarm fire at The Province Apartments Thursday afternoon was caused by a discarded smoking material.
According to the report, the fire originated on the second-floor balcony of Unit 18214 and caused major smoke and fire damage throughout the building.
One firefighter was transported to Tampa General Hospital for evaluation after sustaining a minor injury while fighting the fire.
Damage to the building and the contents of multiple units is estimated at $700,000.
The fire is considered accidental.
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