DUNEDIN, Fla. – A swift response from multiple fire departments early this morning contained a blaze that broke out on the roof of Mease Life, a nine-story independent and assisted living facility. One 93-year-old female resident was treated for smoke inhalation and transported to a local hospital in stable condition.
The incident began at approximately 4:40 a.m. Tuesday when Dunedin Fire-Rescue was dispatched to a fire alarm activation at the facility located at 700 E. Manor Boulevard.
As units were en route, further reports indicated visible smoke on the ninth floor.
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Given the size and nature of the building, a third alarm was initiated to ensure sufficient personnel and equipment were on hand. Firefighters located the fire on the roof of the north wing of the building and brought it under control within approximately 20 minutes of their arrival.
Crews from Tarpon Springs, Safety Harbor, Palm Harbor, Clearwater, Largo, and Seminole fire departments provided mutual aid, a collaborative effort praised by officials for ensuring a rapid and effective response.
While the building was not evacuated, residents were advised to shelter in place. Preliminary assessments indicate that the damage is limited to a section of the roof, and there are currently no plans to relocate residents.
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Officals say the fire may have originated in an area that had recently undergone construction and roofing work. However, the official cause remains under investigation by Dunedin Fire-Rescue, but is not considered suspicious at this time.
Firefighters remained on scene for approximately 90 minutes after containing the blaze to extinguish smoldering hot spots and conduct thorough safety checks.
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