Hillsborough County Fire Rescue units responded around 12:30 am for a residential structure fire located at 6502 E 25th Ave. The initial 911 call stated that there were people trapped inside this home.
Upon arrival, HCFR crews reported a two story wood frame home with heavy smoke and flames showing. Fire rescue crews quickly deployed their hose lines, entered the home and started to battle the fire. A total of six people were sleeping when the fire started ( Two adults and Four Children). A next door neighbor which happened to be a relative was outside and noticed fire coming from this home.
He quickly alerted his wife and both ran to the home to start knocking on doors and windows. The six people woke up and escaped the blaze.Because of the heroic actions of this couple all six people that were sleeping in this home at the time of the fire were able to exit safely. The adult male that was inside the home sustained minor injuries and smoke inhalation during his escape.
He was treated by our paramedics and transported to a local hospital in fair condition. Firefighters were able to extinguished the fire within 30 minutes.
Related: Interview with Shyann Malone from WTSP 10 News on this story.
Unfortunately, there were two family dogs that perished at this fire. There were reports that the home didn’t have the protection of smoke alarms. The Fire Investigator was called to the scene and at this time the cause of the fire is under investigation. Red Cross was also called to the scene to assist the displaced family with food, shelter and clothing.
The home sustained severe fire damage and the second floor collapsed after the residents had exited the home. The home is completely destroy by this incident. There are no other reports of injuries to other civilians or fire rescue personnel.
