4-21-11 Channelside

On 4/21 at 1513 hrs TFR crews responded to a fire reported at a closed restaurant and bar at 514 Channelside Drive. Enroute to the scene fire crews could see black smoke rising up in the distance. On scene within a couple minutes fire crews reported smoke and flames coming from a patio area on the east side of the building. The fire was under control in about 15 minutes, no injuries were reported.

Investigation reveals that two workers from an alarm company were at the building working on the alarm system. They saw a homeless man sleeping on the deck area. While standing inside the building the two workers saw the homeless man set a tiki hut and some newspapers that were on the deck on fire. When police arrived the workers gave a description of the homeless man to the officers. Officers found the suspect a few blocks away. The suspect is being detained and questioned. The suspect's identity is not being released at this time.

An Investigator with the Tampa Fire Marshals Office determined the fire was intentionally set and caused at least 5,000 dollars in damages to the building. The Fire Investigator noted that a quick response from fire crews stopped the flames from consuming the entire structure.

TFR responded to the one alarm fire with 4 fire engines, 1 ladder truck, 2 rescue cars and a couple of chief officers. An estimated 26 responders were on scene from fire stations in Downtown, Hyde Park, Palmetto Beach and Ybor City.

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Education

Tags:

• tampa
• fire
• arson