HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. – Hillsborough County Fire Rescue responded to a working structure fire Monday night on Soratrace Street in Fishhawk, and fireworks may be to blame.
HCFR’s Emergency Dispatch Center received a 911 at 9:47 PM from a first-party caller reporting a garage fire spreading throughout their home.
HCFRs Engine 44 was first on the scene and confirmed heavy smoke and flames through the roof of the garage and central part of the house.
Crews initiated a defensive attack to keep the blaze in check while protecting adjacent structures. Unfortunately, aerial access was unavailable due to overhead obstructions, and access to the rear of the home was difficult, leading to a prolonged firefighting operation.
The homeowner reported rescuing two of his three dogs, but the third was unaccounted for hours into the operation.
There were no injuries to civilians or first responders.
The cause of the fire is believed to be related to fireworks, according to officials.
“The occupant disposed of used fireworks believed to be out in a cardboard box in the garage, failing to extinguish them with water,” said HCFR.
Investigators believe the heat of the fireworks started the fire in the box, which rapidly spread throughout the garage and the home.
In the news: Overnight House Fire In Sarasota May Have Been Caused By Fireworks
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